Prologue: This is the third part in a series about the Source Synthesis method. The present post consists of a role-play based on Source Synthesis. Other parts: 1) o3-mini in the Spotlight: A Play of Two YouTube Transcripts 2) Source Synthesis: Engaging Perspectives Through Role-Play 4) The Making of: The Impact of AI-Generated Content on Creative Industries
The four SOSY role-play posts in the series resulted in the Source Synthesis Role-Play Handbook.
The Play
(Yellow – The Moderator – Alex): “Welcome to a special edition of our blog, where we delve into the complex and rapidly evolving intersection of artificial intelligence and human creativity. In this thought experiment, we’re exploring the impact of AI-generated content on creative industries through a structured dialogue. We’ve created three personas – The Writer (Red), The Analyst (Green), and The Illustrator (Blue) – each representing a different perspective within the creative field. Each persona’s statements are synthesized from video transcripts of real individuals who have shared their experiences and perspectives online. While the dialogue is constructed, it aims to provide an authentic representation of the ongoing conversation surrounding AI and its impact on creative work. It is important to note that these personas, while based on real individuals, are constructs for the purpose of this discussion. The views expressed by each persona are based on the video content analyzed and do not necessarily reflect the views of the blog post’s author or any other entity.
To enhance readability, each persona is assigned a distinct color in the dialogue below. However, it’s important to remember that these are not verbatim quotes but rather synthesized statements based on the expressed views of the individuals. The identities and sources of these individuals will be revealed at the end of the discussion.
Now, let’s hear from our personas and get this conversation started.”
(Red – The Writer): “It’s a tough pill to swallow, but I have to admit, I saw this coming, to an extent. I was laid off from my writing job because my company started using AI to generate content. It’s a lot cheaper and faster for them, even if, in my opinion, it’s not quite as good as what a human writer can produce. But that’s the reality. AI can churn out articles, blog posts, and marketing copy at lightning speed. And for a business, especially in today’s economy, that’s a huge advantage. It’s not just about the speed, though. It’s also about the cost. Paying a human writer a living wage is, let’s face it, more expensive than using AI software. And this isn’t just happening to me. I’m just one of the first. You see, a normal layoff, you can go and find another similar job, but with AI taking over, it is not just one company, it is suddenly several companies. This is going to happen across the board. I know other writers, other creative professionals, who are starting to feel the squeeze. It’s a scary time because this isn’t just a temporary downturn in the market. It’s a fundamental shift in how content is created. The part that really stings, though, is that they used my own writing to train the AI that replaced me. It’s like I helped build the machine that put me out of work. I poured my heart and soul into those articles, and now they’re just data points for a program. So, moving forward, I’m focusing on upskilling, looking for ways to make myself non-redundant, but most importantly, I’m starting my own business. I need to be in control of my own destiny, not at the mercy of some algorithm, not at the mercy of some company that sees me as expendable.”
(Green – The Analyst): “The Writer’s (Red) experience is a stark illustration of what I’ve been warning about. We’re on the cusp of a major disruption in the creative industries, and frankly, in the entire job market. AI’s capabilities are advancing at an alarming rate. What we’re seeing now is just the tip of the iceberg. These AI models can generate text, images, music, even videos, that are becoming increasingly indistinguishable from human-created content. And they can do it at scale, around the clock, without needing breaks or, you know, salaries. This has massive implications for anyone working in creative fields. And honestly, even if your job isn’t directly creative, you will also feel the effects. It is not just about automation; it’s about the potential for AI to fundamentally alter the nature of work, creativity, and even human expression. The companies developing these AI tools are in a race to the top, and they’re not slowing down to consider the societal consequences. We’re talking about a potential ‘Dead Internet’ scenario, where the vast majority of online content is generated by AI, not by humans. That has serious implications for how we consume information, how we connect with each other, and how we understand the world around us. Who gets to decide what information we see? What happens to the quality of content? What happens to independent creators? These are not just abstract concerns; they are playing out as we speak. Look at YouTube, for example. AI-generated summaries are already impacting watch time and ad revenue for creators, especially for those who make long-form content that requires real effort and investment. It is like AI took my job, and now it is telling my own story. It is just ironic. What happens to a society when it outsources its creativity to machines? These are questions we need to be asking ourselves. And to add to that, I also think that having genuine authentic content is also a way to not be replaced. Because, at the end of the day, AI cannot replicate human experience.”
(Blue – The Illustrator): “As an illustrator, I’ve watched the rise of AI art with a growing sense of dread. It’s not just that these AI models can create images in seconds that would take me hours or days to produce. It’s that they’re doing it by scraping and remixing the work of human artists without our consent or compensation. My own artwork, which I spent years developing and sharing online, has been used to train these AI models. It is like my style, my artistic DNA, is being used to create something that could ultimately put me and many other artists out of work. And it’s not just about the financial aspect, though that’s certainly a concern. It’s about the devaluation of human creativity. Art isn’t just about the finished product; it’s about the process, the struggle, the lived experience that informs the work. It’s about the unique voice and perspective that each artist brings to their craft. AI can mimic styles, but it can’t replicate the human element, the emotional depth, the storytelling that comes from a lifetime of observation and experience. It doesn’t have a voice; it can only imitate. What will people miss about human art? I think they will miss the connection to other humans, the imperfections, the story behind the work. I’m not saying technology is inherently bad. But the way AI art is being developed and deployed right now feels like a land grab, a way for tech companies to profit from the work of artists without fairly compensating them. That’s why I’m so passionate about the idea of Universal Basic Income (UBI). If AI is going to take over so many jobs, including creative ones, we need a safety net, a way to ensure that everyone has a basic standard of living. And you could even argue that UBI, in this context, could be seen as a form of royalty or dividend, a way to compensate artists for the use of their work in training these AI models. It is the least that should be done. But beyond that, I think we, as artists, need to double down on what makes us unique: our humanity, our ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level, our capacity for storytelling and social commentary. We need to show the world that art is more than just a pretty picture or a catchy tune. It’s a vital part of what makes us human.”

Key Themes
(Yellow – The Moderator – Alex): “Thank you all for sharing your initial thoughts. It’s clear that we’re facing a complex and multifaceted issue with significant implications for creative professionals and society as a whole. Let’s delve deeper into some of the key themes that have emerged from your statements.
(Yellow – The Moderator – Alex): “Writer (Red), you mentioned that your former employer found AI to be a cheaper and faster alternative to human writers. Analyst (Green), you’ve raised concerns about the broader economic implications of this trend. How do you see this playing out in the long term? Is there a risk that we’ll see a significant decline in the demand for human-created content across various creative fields?”
(Green – The Analyst): “Absolutely. I think the risk is very real. We’re not just talking about a few isolated cases like The Writer’s (Red). This is a systemic issue. As AI models become more sophisticated and accessible, businesses of all sizes will be incentivized to adopt them. Why pay a team of writers, artists, or musicians when you can get comparable results from an AI at a fraction of the cost? It’s a simple economic calculation. And it’s not just about cost-cutting. It’s also about scalability. An AI can generate thousands of pieces of content in the time it takes a human to create one. In a world that demands constant novelty and a relentless stream of content, that’s a huge advantage. The danger is that we’ll see a race to the bottom, where quantity trumps quality, and the unique value of human creativity is eroded. We might even see AI trying to replicate online personalities. Some companies might even try to clone their workers with AI, which is very scary. I do think that authentic content creation and having a unique human experience is a way to avoid being replaced, but that is also not a guarantee.”
(Red – The Writer): “I agree. It’s not just about being cheaper; it’s about being ‘good enough.’ AI-generated content might not be perfect, but it’s often good enough to meet the needs of many businesses, especially those that prioritize quantity over quality. And that’s what worries me. It’s not that AI will replace all human writers or artists, but it will likely shrink the market, making it harder for us to compete and earn a living. And it is happening really fast. I used to have a lot of work, and suddenly, it just dried up. And I was prepared for something like this to happen, but it still caught me off guard.”
(Yellow – The Moderator – Alex): “Illustrator (Blue), from your perspective as an artist, how can creators differentiate themselves in a market that’s increasingly flooded with AI-generated art? You’ve touched upon the importance of the human element, but how can that be effectively communicated and valued?”
(Blue – The Illustrator): “That’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it? I believe that we need to emphasize the aspects of our work that AI can’t replicate: our personal stories, our unique perspectives, the emotional resonance of our art. It’s about creating work that is deeply human, that reflects our individual experiences and connects with audiences on a personal level. For example, AI doesn’t have an environment. It can only reproduce what’s already been said about, for example, standing on a windy clifftop, but it has never experienced it. We need to show our process, the struggles, the inspirations, the failures, all the things that make us human. We need to engage with our audience, build communities, and foster a sense of connection that goes beyond the mere consumption of content. It’s about creating art that sparks conversations, that challenges assumptions, that makes people feel something. I also think that we should focus on things that AI cannot do, like live events and engaging with real people in real-time. AI cannot replicate that. Another thing to consider is to focus on a niche market. AI might be able to create generic art, but it will have a harder time replicating a unique style or skill set. We also need to remember that we have strengths that AI does not have. We can collaborate with each other, be energized by each other. AI cannot do that.”

What if – scenarios
(Yellow – The Moderator – Alex): “So, it’s about leaning into what makes us uniquely human. That’s a powerful idea. Let’s explore a ‘what if’ scenario related to this. Illustrator (Blue), you briefly mentioned this in your opening statement. What if, in the future, a market emerges where ‘human-made’ content carries a premium value, similar to how we value organic food or handcrafted goods today? How might that change the dynamics of the creative industries, The Writer (Red) and The Analyst (Green)?”
(Blue – The Illustrator): “I think it’s a very real possibility, and it is something that gives me hope. Just as people are willing to pay more for organic food because they value the health and environmental benefits, I believe there will be a segment of the population that will value and be willing to pay for ‘human-made’ art because they appreciate the authenticity, the craftsmanship, and the unique human story behind it. They will appreciate the process as much as the product. I think that this is where storytelling will become really important. People want to know the ‘why’ behind the art.”
(Red – The Writer): “I can see that happening. It would be like a niche market within the larger content landscape. There’s definitely a growing awareness of the ethical and quality concerns surrounding AI-generated content. People might start seeking out ‘human-made’ as a mark of authenticity, a guarantee that they’re supporting real artists and getting something that’s not just algorithmically generated. It would require a shift in consumer mindset, though. People would need to be educated about the differences between AI and human-created content and be willing to pay a premium for the latter. Maybe there could be a certification, like a ‘human-made’ label, so that consumers can easily identify and support authentic work.”
(Green – The Analyst): “It’s an intriguing idea, but I have some reservations. While I agree that some people will value ‘human-made’ content, I’m not sure it will be a large enough market to sustain all the artists and writers who are currently working. It might become a luxury market, accessible only to a privileged few, while the vast majority of content is produced by AI for mass consumption. And then there’s the issue of verification. How do you certify that something is truly ‘human-made’? It would be relatively easy for unscrupulous actors to slap a ‘human-made’ label on AI-generated content, further muddying the waters.”
(Yellow – The Moderator – Alex): “Those are valid concerns. It seems that the ‘human-made’ label, while promising, could also create new challenges. It also raises the question: what constitutes ‘human-made’ in the first place? If a writer uses AI for brainstorming or an artist uses it for initial sketches, is the final product still considered ‘human-made’? Where do we draw the line? These are not easy questions to answer. Let’s move on to our next segment where we will put some questions to our panel from the audience”

Q & A with the Audience
(Yellow – The Moderator – Alex): “Now, let’s turn to some questions from our audience. These questions touch upon some key themes that have emerged from our conversation and offer a chance to explore some additional nuances.
Our first question is: ‘Many people say that AI will free up humans to do other, more meaningful things. What could these ‘more meaningful things’ be, especially for those who previously worked in creative fields?’
Illustrator (Blue), let’s start with you. What are your thoughts?”
(Blue – The Illustrator): “That’s a great question, and one that I’ve been pondering myself. I think that if basic needs are met through something like Universal Basic Income, it could allow people to pursue passions that may not have been financially viable in the past. For artists and creatives, this could mean focusing on more experimental or niche forms of art, community-based projects, teaching, or even using their creative skills to address social or environmental issues. I also think that this ‘extra time’ could be used to upskill. Learn a new skill that is maybe harder to automate. It could also be an opportunity to invest more time in building genuine connections with their audience and fostering a sense of community around their work. If we, as a society, no longer have to work a full-time job to make ends meet, we will have more time to devote to things that truly matter to us. It could be anything from spending more time with loved ones, volunteering, pursuing hobbies, or even just having more time for self-reflection and personal growth. We could even use the time to generate new ideas that could benefit society as a whole. If everyone has their basic needs met, it could lead to a more equitable and just society.”
(Yellow – The Moderator – Alex): “Interesting. Analyst (Green), do you share The Illustrator’s (Blue) optimism on this front?”
(Green – The Analyst): “While I appreciate the sentiment, I’m a bit more skeptical. I think it’s a rather utopian vision. It’s not that I don’t believe people could pursue more meaningful things, but I’m not sure the transition will be that smooth. We’re talking about a massive societal shift, and there’s no guarantee that everyone will have the resources, the support, or even the inclination to simply switch to more ‘meaningful’ pursuits. There’s a risk of creating a two-tiered society: those who can afford to pursue their passions and those who are left struggling to adapt to a rapidly changing job market. I also think that we, as humans, are not used to having so much free time. It will definitely be a huge adjustment for everyone. I do agree with The Illustrator (Blue) that upskilling will be essential. It is just hard to imagine that everyone will suddenly have all these new and exciting opportunities. It is more likely that there will be a period of uncertainty and difficulty for a lot of people.”
(Yellow – The Moderator – Alex): “Writer (Red), any thoughts to add?”
(Red – The Writer): “I think it’s a mix of both. There will be opportunities for some, but also a lot of challenges. I’m trying to be optimistic. For me, it is about starting my own business, where I can combine my writing skills with other things I’m passionate about. I also think that it might be a good idea to upskill in areas that AI cannot easily replicate. But I also know that not everyone has that privilege or that some people just want to have a normal job that pays the bills. And it is quite scary to think that this might not be an option in the future. I do think that having more free time could be a good thing, but I also agree with The Analyst (Green) that it will be a huge adjustment. I think a lot of people will struggle, at least initially.”
(Yellow – The Moderator – Alex): “That’s a valuable perspective. Let’s move on to our second question: ‘If AI becomes so good at creating content, will there still be a role for human critics or curators? How might that role change?’ Analyst (Green), let’s start with you on this one.”
(Green – The Analyst): “That’s a crucial question. I do think there will still be a role for human critics and curators, but it will likely evolve. In a world flooded with AI-generated content, the ability to discern quality, identify unique voices, and provide context will become even more important. Human critics might focus on evaluating the underlying ideas, the emotional impact, and the cultural relevance of creative works, whether made by humans or AI. They might also play a role in helping audiences navigate the overwhelming sea of content, highlighting works that are truly innovative, thought-provoking, or meaningful. We might also see the rise of a new type of critic who specializes in identifying and analyzing AI-generated content, helping to expose its limitations and biases. But the role of the critic will have to change. They can no longer just focus on technical skills. They will need to consider things like the intention behind the work, the artist’s unique perspective, and the broader cultural context.”
(Yellow – The Moderator – Alex): “Interesting. Illustrator (Blue), how do you see the role of the critic or curator changing from an artist’s perspective?”
(Blue – The Illustrator): “I agree that curation will become even more vital. As artists, we rely on curators and critics to help our work reach a wider audience and to provide thoughtful engagement with our ideas. I think in the future, curators might focus more on highlighting the human stories behind the art, the process of creation, and the unique perspectives of individual artists. They might organize exhibitions or create platforms that showcase ‘human-made’ art, emphasizing the value of human skill, experience, and emotional expression. They might also focus more on educating the public about art and also about AI art. I think that it will be important to make the distinction between human-made art and AI art.”
(Yellow – The Moderator – Alex): “Writer (Red), any final thoughts on this?”
(Red – The Writer): “I think critics and curators will have an important role to play in helping people navigate the changing landscape. They can be guides, helping us understand what we’re looking at or reading, and helping us connect with the art and the artists on a deeper level. They can also help to promote and support human artists who are trying to make a living in this new world. But I also think that their job will become harder. There will be a lot of content to sift through, and it might be difficult to tell what is made by a human and what is made by AI. I also think that there will be a lot of AI critics, which might make it even harder for human critics to stand out.”
(Yellow – The Moderator – Alex): “Excellent points. Our final question is: ‘What can educational institutions do to prepare the next generation of artists and writers for a world where AI is a major player in creative industries?’
Writer (Red), let’s get your perspective on this.”
(Red – The Writer): “I think educational institutions need to adapt quickly. They need to teach students how to work alongside AI, how to use it as a tool, but also how to develop their own unique style and voice. They need to emphasize critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability. These are skills that will be essential in any field, but especially in creative ones. I also think that there should be more focus on entrepreneurship. Artists and writers will need to know how to market themselves, how to build a brand, and how to find their audience in this new landscape.”
(Yellow – The Moderator – Alex): “Illustrator (Blue), what are your thoughts on the role of education?”
(Blue – The Illustrator): “I completely agree. Education needs to focus on the human aspects of art: storytelling, emotional expression, critical thinking, and the ability to connect with an audience on a personal level. We need to teach students how to develop their own unique artistic vision, how to find their voice, and how to communicate their ideas effectively. We also need to teach them about the ethical implications of AI art and the importance of advocating for fair compensation and recognition for human creators. And I think that it would be beneficial if educational institutions started to incorporate discussions about things like Universal Basic Income. These are the kinds of discussions we need to be having to prepare for the future.”
(Yellow – The Moderator – Alex): “Analyst (Green), any final thoughts on the role of education in preparing for this new era?”
(Green – The Analyst): “Education is key. We need a fundamental shift in how we think about education and its purpose. It can’t just be about acquiring specific skills anymore. It needs to be about fostering adaptability, critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. We need to teach students how to learn, how to collaborate, how to think outside the box, and how to be resourceful in the face of uncertainty. We also need to equip them with the skills to critically evaluate information, especially in a world where AI-generated content is prevalent. And we need to teach them about the ethical and societal implications of technology so that they can be responsible citizens and innovators. It is also important that they learn about the business side of things. How to run a business, how to market their skills, and how to build a strong personal brand. These are essential skills that will help them navigate the future job market.”
(Yellow – The Moderator – Alex): “These are all crucial points. It’s clear that education has a vital role to play in preparing the next generation for the challenges and opportunities of an AI-driven world.
This concludes our Q&A section. I want to thank all of our personas for this insightful and thought-provoking discussion. Now, I’d like to give each of them a chance for some closing remarks.
Conclusion
(Yellow – The Moderator – Alex): “We’re nearing the end of our conversation, and I’d like to give each of our personas the opportunity to share some final thoughts or reflections based on what we’ve discussed today. Writer (Red), let’s start with you. What’s your biggest takeaway from this conversation?”
(Red – The Writer): “For me, the biggest takeaway is that we can’t afford to be passive about this. AI is changing the game, and we need to adapt. We need to be proactive in developing new skills, exploring new opportunities, and finding ways to make ourselves indispensable. But it is also important to remember that it is not just about individuals adapting. We also need to think about the bigger picture. How do we create a system that supports human creativity and ensures that everyone can benefit from these advancements, not just a select few? I also want to emphasize that even though I was laid off because of AI, I do not think that AI is inherently bad. But the way it is being implemented right now is a cause for concern. I do believe, though, that there will be a lot of opportunities in the future for people who are willing to adapt and learn new skills.”
(Yellow – The Moderator – Alex): “Thank you, Writer (Red). Analyst (Green), what are your closing thoughts?”
(Green – The Analyst): “My main takeaway is that we need to have a serious conversation about the societal implications of AI. We can’t just let the tech companies dictate the future. We need policymakers, educators, and citizens to engage in this discussion and work towards solutions that benefit everyone, not just a privileged few. We need to think about things like data privacy, algorithmic bias, the concentration of power, and the potential for mass unemployment. And we need to do it now, before it’s too late. I also want to add that it is important to be aware of the limitations of AI. It is a powerful tool, but it is not a replacement for human creativity, critical thinking, and empathy. We also need to be aware that there are a lot of people who are trying to make a quick buck by using AI to generate low-quality content. This is something that we need to be aware of and combat. As consumers, we have a responsibility to seek out high-quality content that is made by humans. We also need to be critical of the information that we consume and make sure that it comes from a reliable source.”
(Yellow – The Moderator – Alex): “Valuable points. Illustrator (Blue), how about you? What’s your final message for our audience?”
(Blue – The Illustrator): “My message is one of hope and resilience. I believe that human art still matters, and it will continue to matter in the age of AI. We just need to be smart about how we adapt and evolve. We need to embrace our unique strengths as human creators, focus on storytelling, build communities, and advocate for policies that support a thriving creative ecosystem. And we need to support each other. The creative community needs to come together, share knowledge, and advocate for our collective future. I also want to reiterate that AI is not inherently bad. It is a tool, and like any tool, it can be used for good or for bad. It is up to us to decide how we want to use it. I think that AI can be a powerful tool for artists, and it can help us to create things that we never thought possible. But we need to be mindful of the potential downsides and make sure that we are using it in a way that benefits humanity as a whole.”
(Yellow – The Moderator – Alex): “Thank you all for this incredibly insightful conversation. It’s clear that the rise of AI-generated content presents both challenges and opportunities for creative industries. There are no easy answers, but it’s crucial that we have these conversations, that we grapple with the complex ethical, economic, and societal implications of this technology.
We’ve heard today about the very real anxieties surrounding job displacement, the potential erosion of human creativity, and the need for policies like Universal Basic Income to address the potential for increased inequality. We’ve also explored the possibility of a future where ‘human-made’ carries a premium value, where artists and writers leverage their unique strengths to connect with audiences on a deeper level, and where education adapts to equip the next generation with the skills they need to thrive.
What stands out to me is the importance of adaptability, critical thinking, and a willingness to embrace change. The future of creative work may look different than it does today, but it doesn’t have to be bleak. By staying informed, engaging in dialogue, and advocating for policies that prioritize human well-being, we can shape a future where both humans and AI can contribute to a vibrant and flourishing creative landscape. This has been a constructed dialogue, a thought experiment if you will. The views expressed by the personas are based on real individuals and their videos, which will be revealed shortly. However, it’s important to remember that this is just one possible conversation, and there are many other perspectives to consider. I encourage you to continue exploring this topic, to seek out diverse viewpoints, and to engage in constructive dialogue with others.
Thank you for joining us for this special edition of our blog.

End of Role-Play
Sources:
The personas in this dialogue were based on the following YouTube videos:
- The Writer (Red):
- Link to Video: AI Took My Job: Here’s What I’m Doing Next – Rami Intelligence
- Link to Video: My Boss AI-CLONED Me, Then Fired Me – Rami Intelligence
- The Analyst (Green):
- Link to Video: Happy 2025. I Lost My Freelance Writing Job To AI – Alex Wei
- Link to Video: AI Took My Job, Then Turned Me Into A Meme – Alex Wei
- The Illustrator (Blue):
- Link to Video: I’m Losing My Art Job to AI…What I’m Doing About it – Holly Exley”
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