A recent investigation discloses that individuals are capable of experiencing emotional reactions to art generated by artificial intelligence. Although art created by humans does tend to provoke more potent emotional reactions, the study points out that both categories of art possess emotional richness. This warrants further inquiry into the interplay between human emotions and art produced by AI.
Nonetheless, art created by humans generally receives more favorable evaluations.
The role of computers and artificial intelligence in the artistic realm is undeniably growing. AI-produced art has commanded millions in auction prices, and artists frequently employ algorithmic methods to produce aesthetic pieces. Researchers from the University of Vienna have now conducted studies demonstrating that, against commonly held beliefs, individuals do feel emotions and sense intentions in art, even when they are aware that it is computer-generated. The research was recently published in the academic journal Computers in Human Behavior.
Table of Contents
Study Design and Methodological Approach
A collaborative research effort between the University of Vienna and Humboldt University of Berlin, spearheaded by Theresa Demmer, aimed to ascertain whether individuals emotionally engage with, or attribute intent to, art they understand to be computer-generated. Abstract monochromatic artworks were shown to study participants who were informed that the pieces were either computer-generated at random or consciously crafted by a human to elicit emotional responses.
Demmer stated, “We deliberately refrained from employing AI or machine-learning algorithms trained on human-created images for computer-generated ones. Instead, we used a rudimentary algorithm. This was done to ensure the generated images were free from human influence, eliminating as much human bias as possible.” The study did not delve into the technical aspects of whether and when computers could produce art indistinguishable from human-made art.
Key Research Findings
Participants were provided with accurate information about the origin of the artwork—either human or computer-generated—before viewing each piece. They were subsequently asked to evaluate the art on several scales and to note the emotions they felt while engaging with the art. They were also asked to identify the emotions they believed the artworks were designed to evoke and any emotions they thought the artists might have experienced during the creation process.
The data revealed that nearly all participants felt some form of emotion and sensed some level of intentionality in the artwork. The study thereby furnishes new empirical evidence supporting the notion that emotional bonds can be formed with AI-generated art. Contrary to popular belief, people do seem to sense emotions and intentions in art even when they are aware that it was computer-generated. However, they felt stronger emotions and gave higher evaluations to artworks actually created by humans, even if they were mistakenly told that the art was generated by a computer.
Implications and Further Research Directions
The findings open up fresh avenues for inquiry into human-computer interactions and the burgeoning role of AI as a creative force in the spheres of art, design, and entertainment. Questions surrounding human reactions to more intricate AI-generated artworks, as well as the features that enable humans to differentiate between computer-generated and human-created art, merit additional studies to better comprehend the intricate relationship between human beings and technology in this domain.
Reference: “Does an emotional connection to art really require a human artist? Emotion and intentionality responses to AI- versus human-created art and impact on aesthetic experience,” by Theresa Rahel Demmer, Corinna Kühnapfel, Joerg Fingerhut, and Matthew Pelowski, published on 15 July 2023 in Computers in Human Behavior.
DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2023.107875
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about AI-generated art
What is the primary focus of the recent study from the University of Vienna?
The study primarily aims to explore whether people experience emotions when engaging with art generated by artificial intelligence. It challenges the common belief that emotional depth in art is exclusively a human attribute.
Who conducted the research and where was it published?
The research was conducted by a team from the University of Vienna in collaboration with Humboldt University of Berlin. The study was led by Theresa Demmer and was published in the academic journal Computers in Human Behavior.
What methodology was employed in the research?
The research team presented study participants with abstract black-and-white artworks. Participants were informed that the artworks were either generated by a computer algorithm or intentionally created by a human artist to evoke emotions. A rudimentary algorithm was used for the computer-generated images to eliminate human bias.
What were the key findings of the study?
The study found that participants nearly always experienced some form of emotion and sensed some level of intentionality when interacting with both human-made and AI-generated art. However, artworks created by humans elicited stronger emotional reactions and received higher evaluations.
Does the study suggest that AI-generated art is indistinguishable from human-made art?
No, the study does not delve into whether AI-generated art is indistinguishable from human-made art. It focuses on the emotional responses and perceived intentionality in both forms of art.
What are the implications of these findings?
The results suggest that AI can play a growing role as a creative entity in the realms of art, design, and entertainment. They also raise new questions about the complex relationship between humans and machines in the field of artistic creation, warranting further research.
What questions does the study leave unanswered?
The study opens up avenues for further research on how humans respond to more complex AI-generated artworks and the specific characteristics that allow humans to distinguish between art created by humans and computers.
Is the study peer-reviewed?
The study was published in the academic journal Computers in Human Behavior, which implies a peer-reviewed process, although the text does not explicitly state this.
More about AI-generated art
- Computers in Human Behavior Journal
- University of Vienna Research
- Artificial Intelligence in Art
- Human-AI Interaction Research
- Emotion and Art
- Humboldt University of Berlin
- Role of AI in Creative Industries
6 comments
So this means we might see AI Picasso soon? Jokes aside, this is some heavy research. Cant wait to see how this evolves.
This is both exciting and a bit scary to me. What’s the limit to what AI can do? What happens when we can’t tell the difference anymore?
I got to admit, I’m surprised. Always thought art is a ‘human thing,’ you know? Guess we’re in for more changes.
Kinda makes you think, doesn’t it? What actually makes art, ‘art’? Is it the creator or the emotional impact it has on us? Really curious where this leads.
interesting stuff… but still, nothing beats the emotional depth of a human artist. I think some things just cant be replicated by machines.
Wow, this is eye-opening! Never thought AI art could get so close to human art, emotionally speaking. Makes me wonder, what’s next?