AI in the Arts: Can Technology Replace the Human Soul?
Art has always been a reflection of human creativity, whether through painting, dance, music, or animation. Artificial intelligence, however, tries to mimic this creativity without truly capturing it. While AI can generate images or sounds based on prompts, many argue that it lacks intention, emotion, and originality. Instead of being created with purpose, AI art often feels like a calculated remix of existing work, raising questions about plagiarism and authenticity.
“Art to me is the expression of the human soul—whether it be through pencil and paper, music, dance, animation, etc. AI is something that attempts to recreate that soul, but ends up looking lifeless, due to its nature,” said junior Daniel Martinez.
These worries are echoed by many students who see AI not as a creative partner, but as a shortcut. The debate is not only about art itself, but also about what message schools send to future generations when they normalize AI use in the classroom. For some, this could risk blurring the lines between genuine effort and machine output.
“Art is something inherently human. It has both conscious and subconscious meanings from the artist, preferences that are unique to its creator—the process of art cannot simply be replicated artificially. The look can be, yes, but the meaning behind it can never be,” said senior Ariyana Strickland.
For Ariyana, AI art felt unsettling from the very beginning. “When I first saw AI art, I was perturbed. It was so lifeless, so calculated. Honestly, the artistic profession has always been underestimated and not appreciated, even before the introduction of AI. It’s basically being used to reinforce that these passions don’t matter to greater society.”
Her perspective highlights the cultural risk of AI. If art loses its connection to human experience, it risks losing the depth and commentary that shape our culture. For students, artists, and educators alike, the conversation around AI is no longer just about tools; it’s about the future of creativity.
“When it comes to AI in school, any benefits that may come from it are very theoretical. The only thing AI does is dampen cognitive function and critical thinking, and that is a FACT, so at the end of the day, it really shouldn’t be in classrooms, period,” Ariyana added.
But not everyone sees AI as a purely negative force. While many students and artists see it as a threat, others view it as a tool that can expand creativity rather than replace it.
Supporters argue that AI has the potential to make art and design more accessible, especially for people who may not have traditional training or resources. By generating quick drafts or providing inspiration, AI programs can help creators explore new ideas and streamline the creative process.
There has been a noticeable rise in AI use across different industries— film, music, journalism, and visual arts and the trend has reached schools as well. At MLEC, for example, students have been introduced to AI programs like Gemini in classrooms. For some, this represents an opportunity to learn how to use a tool that is becoming increasingly common in the professional world.
The controversy became personal when the MLEC Chefs social media account published a post created with AI. The decision upset many students, especially artists who felt their talents were being ignored. In response, a group of students organized a list of volunteers willing to create original artwork for the account. Their message was clear. Students want their creativity to be recognized before a program takes their place.
Educators who support AI integration often emphasize that the technology is not meant to replace human creativity but to enhance it. Instead of banning AI completely, some believe schools should focus on teaching ethical guidelines and critical thinking skills so students can balance technological assistance with original expression.
The debate over AI in the arts is far from settled. On one hand, it’s seen as a threat to the authenticity and soul of human expression. On the other hand, it’s defended as an inevitable tool of the future, something that can empower people if used responsibly. What’s clear is that AI is here, not just in industries across the world, but in our own classrooms. The question we face is whether we’ll allow it to define what art means. And if art is truly about human expression, then maybe the final answer will always come back to us—not the machine.
