Days in the Generative AI Swamp, Even Though I Could Stop Anytime

Introduction

Hello. I've decided to start a note from today. Why am I writing this? Because I wanted someone to listen to my struggle with generative AI, which I've been continuing for about a year now... (Also, because of the recommendations from a classmate and a hobby mentor).

My Encounter with Generative AI

In May 2023, I learned about something called "generative AI." At the time, my understanding was still just that "online templates are enough for writing text." And I actually started using it daily in June 2024. I began using the paid versions of Gemini and Perplexity, and from there, my life changed completely.

At first, I thought it was just a simple brain exercise. "What kind of questions would get interesting answers?" "What kind of pictures can I make with this image generation AI?" That "play" I started with such a light heart now dominates my daily life.

A New Swamp: Posting Videos

In September 2024, I started posting videos made with generative AI. This was the gateway to even greater depths. To make videos, I needed to know more AI tools and learn how to use them more efficiently. I subscribed to music generation AI and image generation AI.

Before I knew it, a large number of bookmarks had accumulated in my browser's AI folder. ChatGPT, Claude, Midjourney, Runway, ElevenLabs... AI tools whose names are hard to remember, and which I don't even remember operating but actually did, have turned my digital space into a state of chaos.

Drowning in a Flood of Information

The most painful thing is the update news for generative AI that is announced every single week. I follow about 10 generative AI-related YouTube channels and watch announcements of new features, releases of new models, and competitors catching up. However, the information doesn't fully sink in, and I am completely saturated.

"Veo3 was announced this week," "New features added to Claude," "Genspark's agent capabilities are amazing!" With waves of information crashing one after another, my brain has exceeded its processing capacity. I don't think it's because it's a senior's brain, though...

Reasons I Can't Stop

Strangely, even though I should be able to stop at any time, I continue to chase after generative AI. Why is that?

Perhaps it's FOMO (Fear of Missing Out). The anxiety related to my age, thinking "If I stop now, I might not be able to keep up with the next big change," might be driving me.

Discoveries Amidst the Suffering

The generative AI play I started as a brain exercise has now turned into suffering. However, there are small discoveries and joys even in this suffering. When an unexpectedly beautiful image is generated, or when a script I generated works despite having zero programming knowledge—those moments might be what keep me in this world.

Looking Ahead

I hope that by writing this article, I can organize my thoughts a little. I will continue to use trial and error to rethink how I interact with generative AI and build a healthier relationship with it.

If there is anyone in a similar situation, let's overcome this chaos together.
Generative AI is just a tool! For now...