My thoughts on Gen AI for 2026

 

When generative AI first burst onto the scene, I was genuinely curious at the possibilities. I had my reservations given the controversy over stolen IP, and then about how people might abuse it - but the creative potential was impossible to ignore.

I've posted previously about my feelings on generative AI and over the past couple years I've really felt a shift, or evolution, in what that looks like for me personally.

On the one hand, the ethical concerns about how these computer models were trained has still not been adequately addressed. If anything, tech companies have doubled down on their "right' to access the IP of creators en masse - for free. There are still cases making their way through the courts though with some wins and losses already established.

On the other hand, the mass market doesn't seem to care one way or another about copyright infringement or human made design vs AI design. Not surprising I guess but a little disappointing given how pervasive AI generated content has become. I'm concerned about the apparent de-valuing of human creativity and where that is going to lead us.

For me, I'm largely bored now with using AI. I am still using it but with a much lighter touch and a much more intentional approach to integrate it with my own work. Basically, the novelty wore off. I'm hoping this happens for others as well. 

Going into 2026 the generative AI landscape looks very different from what it was three years ago. AI illustration and photography, video voice-overs and video footage along with the written word are being sprayed across the internet with a fire hose. Far too often, it’s filler, used because it’s easy, not because it adds value. And while some of it is harmless, a massive share is being used in ways that are not benign - scams, impersonations and misinformation designed to trick, confuse, or just mess with people is the order of business. It's a shit show out there right now. Nothing online can be trusted anymore.

Even worse is the lack of meaningful guardrails. We’re watching governments cheerfully sidestep regulation in the name of “competitive advantage,” as if the only way to stay ahead is to sprint with scissors. The result is a wild west environment where bad actors move fast, and the rest of us are left hoping common sense catches up. So far, it hasn't.

So what am I doing? For starters, I’m choosing a transparent approach. I will always disclose on my blog and in my shop where I have utilized AI and where possible some indication of the degree of usage (I'm still fine tuning the language to describe everything).

While most of my customers don't seem to care too much if AI was involved, I strongly believe everyone should at least have a choice and I'm not trying to fool anyone with false claims of authorship. 

I'm using generative AI where it genuinely helps me - organizing ideas, refining wording, exploring concepts, brain storming and tedious tasks that can be automated. Going forward I plan to ensure it's not replacing the heart of my work. My own work will be predominate and AI contributions supplemental. Ultimately my own creativity is far more satisfying and fulfilling. AI can act as an assist in that endeavor but not a replacement.

The biggest questions I’m asking as we enter 2026 is this; will society eventually revolt against the ugliness that bad AI users are inflicting on the world? Will governments finally step in and squash the outrageous amount of cyber crime occurring with the aid of AI?

oh my good god I hope so. 

I’d love to see a world where artistry, not algorithms, leads again, and AI supports rather than overwhelms. (I'd wish for AI abolishment but I'm trying to be realistic).

Share your own thoughts, I'd love to hear your views on the AI slop deluge we've been inflicted with.