Not so ‘Wicked’ after all. Find authenticity in the era of AI

I recently had the opportunity to see Wicked, the cinematic adaptation of the acclaimed Broadway musical. Directed by Jon M. Chu, this film serves as the first installment of a two-part series that explores the origins of the beloved characters before the events of The Wizard of Oz. While the 1939 classic presents a whimsical adventure centered on Dorothy, Wicked offers a nuanced exploration of Oz’s political and social dynamics, challenging the conventional dichotomy of good versus evil.

A pivotal character who appears in both films is Oscar Zoroaster Phadrig Isaac Norman Henkle Emmanuel Ambroise Diggs, better known as the Wizard of Oz. In L. Frank Baum’s 1900 novel, he is portrayed as a powerful and enigmatic ruler of the Emerald City, whom Dorothy seeks out to help her return home to Kansas. Yet, his mystique is eventually shattered when it’s revealed the wizard is merely a carnival magician and balloonist from Omaha, Nebraska, relying on smoke and mirrors to maintain his illusion of power. This revelation underscores themes of deception and self-discovery, themes that feel strikingly relevant in today’s discussions about artificial intelligence and its role in human creativity.

What does ChatGPT have to do with it?

The wizard’s reliance on illusion draws an interesting parallel to contemporary reliance on AI. Recently, while preparing a presentation, I turned to ChatGPT to help flesh out my ideas. The AI-generated responses were polished and persuasive, but they weren’t my words. The experience felt eerily similar to the wizard’s elaborate tricks—AI had transformed my thoughts into a cohesive narrative in seconds. Yet, it lacked the personal authenticity I was striving for. My “voice” was absent. This led me to question: Can one truly be considered a thought leader if they use AI to flesh out their ideas?

Much like the wizard’s use of illusion and devices to sustain his authority, AI serves as a powerful tool to elevate communication and creativity. But this reliance can create anxiety around authenticity. What happens when the metaphorical curtain is pulled back, revealing our raw capabilities without AI’s polish? Relying on AI as a crutch might yield impressive results, but the true magic happens when we use AI as a tool rather than a disguise—empowering ourselves while inspiring trust in our audience.

This analogy highlights a broader cultural shift. AI, like the wizard’s mechanisms, amplifies human creativity but also sparks debates around authenticity, creativity, and transparency. Just as the Scarecrow, Tin Man, Cowardly Lion, and Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz discovered their inner strengths, perhaps the real power of AI lies in helping us uncover and enhance our human capabilities. By recognizing AI as a collaborator rather than a replacement, we can bridge efficiency with authenticity.

The value of transparency

Leveraging AI in the process of content creation demands achieving a delicate balance between efficiency and authenticity. While AI streamlines processes and accelerates production, transparency is crucial. According to Getty Images, nearly 90% of consumers value transparency regarding AI-generated content, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in the digital age. Moreover, ethical concerns surrounding AI’s role in creative industries—such as copyright, licensing, and originality—pose challenges that must be addressed to ensure responsible use. Yet legal ambiguities surrounding AI may discourage adoption, particularly among enterprises wary of potential liabilities.

The wizard’s journey can be viewed as a metaphor for our interaction with AI. Just as his facade ultimately crumbled to reveal his true self, our reliance on AI should not eclipse our true selves and hamper our intrinsic creativity and authenticity. By embracing AI as a collaborative partner, we can enhance our capabilities while maintaining our individuality.

The comparison between AI and the wizard also underscores the broader responsibility we carry when integrating new technologies. AI holds the potential to democratize knowledge, making tools and resources accessible to many. However, this democratization comes with the need for discernment—recognizing when to lean on AI’s capabilities and when to step forward with our unique human voice. Striking this balance allows us to innovate without losing sight of our humanity.

AI, much like the wizard’s illusions, holds immense transformative power. However, it must be used ethically and transparently, amplifying human ingenuity without diminishing it. By stepping out from behind the curtain and acknowledging AI as a tool, we can foster a culture of authenticity and trust in the ever-evolving digital age.

R. Vann Graves, EdD, is executive director at VCU Brandcenter.