Generative AI and the Future of Musical Diversity.

Area of Science:

• Musicology
• Psychology
• Artificial Intelligence Studies

Background:

• The uniqueness of individual psyches is a vital source of cultural variation.
• Music's underlying psychology is participatory, yet historical trends show a move towards presentational forms.
• Mass media has already endangered musical diversity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To argue that generative AI represents a new stage in distancing humans from their psyches.
• To analyze how AI reduces participation and cultural diversity in music.
• To suggest research avenues for investigating AI's effects on culture and minds.

Main Methods:

• Historical analysis of music participation and diversity.
• Introduction of the rhetorical device PECULIAR to highlight presentational music-making.
• Examination of generative AI's psychological and cultural impacts.

Main Results:

• Generative AI detaches humans from their individual psyches.
• AI technologies accelerate the reduction in musical participation and diversity.
• Historical trends show increasing detachment from participatory music-making.

Conclusions:

• Generative AI poses a significant threat to musical diversity and participation.
• Encouraging musical participation offers substantial social and spiritual benefits.
• Mindful consideration and creative strategies are needed to foster music engagement.