I appreciate Richard McCarthy’s recent columns addressing articifial intelligence. AI is taking the country by storm and it’s wise to slow down and evaluate this technology. AI is concerning given its massive energy consumption, copyright infringement issues and capacity to spread misinformation. Additionally, Google recently broke its promise not to use AI for harmful purposes such as building weapons.

None of this is good, but I would like to focus on what can be addressed on a personal and local level.

It’s important for me to access original writing, art and music. I would like both the industry and the artist to be more transparent about whether they are using AI or not. This isn’t about shaming AI users but rather about informing the consumer. Let’s create a rating system that address AI use; I suggest creating levels going from completely AI-generated to 100% human-created, similar to food labeling.

When it comes to art, I prefer the stuff made with all-natural ingredients. Organic and natural food takes more time to grow, cultivate and harvest, but it’s healthy and genuine. This is the way art should be, too. I want to support artists and musicians who create excellent original work. These folks deserve being rewarded for the time and energy they have put into their creation.

As a consumer, I have the right to know if the books I’m reading, the shows I’m watching or the music I’m listening to was made with natural or artificial ingredients.

Rick McNeil

Florence