Magical Paintbrush, Human Foetus or Black Box: Algorithmic Imaginaries about AI-art in YouTube Discourse

Abstract

This thesis investigates the construction of algorithmic imaginaries surrounding AI-art generators in cultural production on YouTube, shedding light on contemporary discourse on hybrid creativity. Through quantitative analysis, it reveals strategic use of YouTube’s pre-listed video categories to enhance visibility and engagement, highlighting the increasing contingency of cultural production on YouTube. Moreover, it uncovers YouTube’s prioritization of comments in its recommendation algorithm. Qualitative discourse analysis shows diverse algorithmic imaginaries, ranging from AI as something beyond human control, through the metaphors “magical paintbrush” and “black box”, to the anthropomorphizing imaginary of AI as a human “foetus”. These findings reflect diverse perspectives on hybrid creativity, ultimately suggesting prevailing pessimism in public discourse regarding AI in artistic creation, in relation to the more optimistic stance found in theory. The circulation of these algorithmic imaginaries, exemplified in video creators quoting each other, underscores YouTube’s role in facilitating hybrid interactions among creators and viewers, thereby expanding the theoretical concept of hybridity. In addressing future research directions, the thesis highlights YouTube’s mediating role in hybrid creativity and recommends investigating the mechanisms underlying the prevalence of controversial imaginaries about AI-art in YouTube discourse.