In the current context in which artificial intelligence is gaining ground, the Collingridge dilemma clearly manifests itself. The Collingridge dilemma, also known as the dilemma of control, is a conceptual problem in the ethics of technology, formulated by David Collingridge in his book The Social Control of Technology (1980). It highlights the difficulty of predicting and controlling the consequences of a new technology. In the early stages of development and adoption, technologies are relatively easy to modify, but it is difficult to foresee their long-term consequences. As these technologies consolidate and become pervasive, their negative impacts become more evident, but intervening to modify or regulate them becomes much more complex.
Therefore, talking about ai generated images, in the initial phase developers have some degree of control over the training data and algorithms used. However, fully predicting which stereotypes, biases, or harmful beliefs may be present in training datasets sourced from the internet is tough. This lack of knowledge can lead to a poor understanding of the technology’s potential long-term social and cultural impacts.
Once AI-driven image generation technologies are integrated into the design and visual communication environment, it becomes much harder to intervene to correct biases and mitigate dangerous effects. Artificial Intelligence is becoming an integral part of creative and communicative processes, making it difficult to modify without disrupting essential services or significantly influencing professional practices.
Early regulation is likely to be too restrictive for further development and implementation, while regulation at a more mature stage may be limited in its effectiveness and ability to prevent accidents.
Striking the right regulatory balance is crucial, as early intervention may stifle progress while delayed action risks exacerbating existing issues.
