As a creative individual (writer specifically), the latest cavalcade of AI-generated "art" everywhere I go is a real kick in the face to people like me. It's in zoo posters, school announcement boards, YMCA posters... in short, you name it, it's AI.

Somewhat recently, the Plain Dealer, a newspaper serving Greater Cleveland, has started using AI generated illustration in its stories. I am truly disappointed in the decision, as the Plain Dealer has always been a good source for both local and national journalism. Throughout their many stories, they illustrated their words with art: not AI slop, but real art, beautiful illustrated by human artists. AI slop, by contrast, is built by machines, is soulless, and frankly looks horribly. Example here:

In addition to looking overperfected and soulless, AI slop is prone to errors, such as here, where there are arrows pointing to nothing and an innacurate equation on the wall (14/36 + 75/16 equals 5.076, not 12)

I've been to downtown Cleveland countless times on to see plays, go to museums, etc, and I've seen that there are many talented artists living and working in Cleveland. However, this decision to use AI slop ignores the real talent of human creators in favor of spending one second typing in a prompt. Art and creative thinking are human pursuits, and shouldn't be turned over to AI.

I understand that, with the rise of digital media and misinformation, many newspapers are struggling and using AI imagery can speed up making a paper. But the Plain Dealer owes in to their readers to make a change. They've done it countless times before, from making a online version to allowing Letters to the Editor to become anonymous

With this petition, I respectfully ask for the Cleveland Plain Dealer to STOP USING AI SLOP IN IT'S REPORTING.