The world has undergone a profound transformation in perceiving, creating, and consuming art, knowledge, and talent. In earlier times, quality was a revered rarity. A symphony by Mozart or a novel by Tolstoy stood as timeless masterpieces because they emerged from an era where scarcity defined value. The limited access to such works heightened their allure; they were cherished because they were rare. However, with the advent of digitisation and the Internet, this paradigm has shifted dramatically.
Today, we live in an age of abundance, where access to music, literature, and art is just a click away. But this democratisation of access has brought with it a paradox: while more people can create and consume than ever before, the lifespan of talent and the depth of appreciation for quality have diminished.
This abundance is both a blessing and a challenge. On the one hand, the barriers to entry in creative fields have been lowered. Anyone with a smartphone can record music, write poetry, or create digital art. Platforms such as YouTube have turned ordinary individuals into global sensations overnight. Yet, this very ease of creation has led to saturation. The sheer volume of content makes it difficult for any single work to stand out for long. What once took years to perfect can now be replicated or replaced within days. The fleeting nature of digital fame reflects this reality — today’s viral sensation is tomorrow’s forgotten name.
The abundance of creative output has also altered how we value it. The scarcity principle suggests that people value what is rare or difficult to obtain. In contrast, when something becomes overly accessible, its perceived worth diminishes. This phenomenon is evident in the way we consume art today — streaming platforms offer millions of songs and movies at our fingertips, yet we often skip through them without fully engaging. The ease of access fosters a culture of disposability; art becomes something to consume quickly rather than savour deeply.
Moreover, this abundance has encouraged superficial engagement with creative fields. The democratisation of tools such as music software or AI-powered writing assistants allows anyone to produce content without necessarily mastering the craft. While this inclusivity is commendable, it risks diluting the depth and originality that come from years of dedicated practice. In many cases, creators prioritise quantity over quality to keep up with algorithms that reward constant output. As a result, the focus shifts from creating meaningful work to simply staying visible in an overcrowded marketplace.
Existential questions
The rise of artificial intelligence adds another layer to this dynamic. AI tools are now capable of composing music, generating artwork, and even writing novels. While these technologies hold immense potential for innovation, they also raise existential questions about creativity itself. If machines can replicate human creativity effortlessly, what becomes of the artist? Will originality lose its significance when algorithms can mimic it? There is a danger that reliance on AI could erode creative instincts over time, as we outsource more and more of our thinking to machines.
AI-generated art has sparked debates about creativity’s future, with tools such as DALL·E or ChatGPT producing works that mimic human ingenuity. While these tools empower creators, they also raise questions about originality and the dilution of artistic mastery. For instance, AI-generated novels or music may achieve technical perfection but often lack the emotional depth that defines human creativity.
In January 2024, controversy erupted when AI company MidJourney used 16,000 artists’ works without permission to train its algorithms. This led to AI generating images mimicking famous styles (for instance, Van Gogh’s), raising ethical concerns about copyright infringement and the dilution of artistic mastery in an oversaturated digital market. AI-generated track mimicked the voices of Drake and The Weeknd, sparking debates about authenticity and creativity in music. Its uncanny resemblance to human artistry highlighted how AI is reshaping the music industry while raising ethical concerns about originality and copyright. In 2023, an AI-generated poem won a regional poetry contest before judges realised it was machine-created. The incident sparked discussions about whether technical perfection can replace the soul and intent behind human literary expression.
A significant recent controversy in India involved A.R. Rahman, who used AI to recreate the voices of deceased singers Bamba Bakya and Shahul Hameed for a song in Rajinikanth’s film Lal Salaam. Critics questioned whether such practices undermine the emotional authenticity and originality of music, while others saw it as a tribute to the late artists.
Yet, amid these challenges lies an opportunity for reflection. The abundance of content forces us to re-evaluate what truly matters in art and creativity. It compels us to seek depth over distraction and meaning over mere novelty. Perhaps the future lies not in resisting abundance but in learning how to navigate it wisely — curating what we consume and valuing works that resonate on a deeper level.
At its core, creativity is a human endeavour rooted in emotion, experience, and individuality — qualities that no machine can fully replicate. While AI might generate technically flawless outputs, it lacks the soul that defines great art. This distinction underscores why true mastery will always hold value: it represents not just skill but also the unique perspective of its creator.
As we move forward in this age of abundance, the challenge will be to balance accessibility with authenticity. We must find ways to celebrate quality without succumbing to superficiality and embrace technology without losing our humanity. The world may be moving toward greater convenience and efficiency, but creativity remains one domain where depth cannot be replaced by speed.
To escape the adverse effects of a content-saturated world, individuals can cultivate a deeper appreciation for art and beauty by engaging actively with creative works rather than passively consuming them. Prioritising quality over quantity is essential; savour a single piece of music or literature and explore its layers. Curating your digital consumption to include inspiring creators and limiting mindless scrolling can enhance your experience. Learning about the craft behind art fosters understanding and appreciation, while supporting live performances and traditional art forms keeps these expressions vibrant. Ultimately, taking time to reflect on what resonates with you can lead to a more meaningful connection with creativity. In an age of abundance, the true connoisseur is not one who possesses the most, but one who cherishes the unique spark within the seemingly ordinary. To nurture talent in a world of fleeting fame, we must value depth over popularity, and recognize the potential that lies beyond the surface of immediate trends.In conclusion, while abundance has transformed how we create and consume art, it also calls us to rethink our relationship with creativity itself. The fleeting nature of modern fame should not discourage us but rather inspire us to seek lasting impact through meaningful work. And as AI continues to evolve, let it serve as a tool—not a replacement—for human ingenuity. For in the end, it is our imperfections and individuality that make us truly creative beings in an increasingly automated world.
(The writer is a judge of the Madras High Court)
anaushram@gmail.com
Published – March 30, 2025 04:35 am IST