Authors Face Backlash For Participation In 2022 Google AI Study
Thirteen authors who participated in a 2022 Google AI writing workshop are facing backlash from the literary community. The controversy centers on the use of large language models in creative writing and the evolving ethical standards regarding AI collaboration.
Why it matters
This reflects the growing tension between the creative arts and the rapid integration of generative AI tools in professional workflows.
The 'Shameful 13' include speculative fiction luminaries Ken Liu and Robin Sloan.
josefkubes/Shutterstock In the spring of 2022, Google began reaching out to a series of writers, including award-winning science-fiction authors and New York Times bestsellers, for feedback on an experimental writing tool. Four years later, their participation has corners of the literary world up in arms.
Google researchers knew at the time that they were approaching a breakthrough point with large language models (LLMs). DeepMind, the company's AI division, was internally testing a natural language generation model called LaMDA which had demonstrated emergent writing capabilities. That model would eventually form the basis for Google Gemini. An internal study was launched to determine whether AI could serve as a brainstorming assistant, researcher or writing collaborator for professional writers.
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