... and now AI looms on the horizon like the Grim Reaper

Audio Gear Talk Music Services
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I donā€™t think the issue is the AIā€™s replacing the musicians. The issue is the AIā€™s replacing the customers:

Human

Is music streaming a viable business model when all the listeners (customers) have lost their jobs to AIā€™s ?

ChatGPT

If we consider a hypothetical scenario where all (or the vast majority of) listeners have lost their jobs due to AI and automation, the viability of the music streaming business model would indeed be severely challenged, just like any other business that relies on consumer spending. Hereā€™s how such a scenario might affect the music streaming industry:

  1. Decreased Disposable Income: Without a source of income, people will prioritize essential needs over discretionary spending. Subscriptions for music streaming services could be seen as a luxury and therefore might be one of the first expenses to be cut.
  2. Ad-supported Models: Free, ad-supported versions of music streaming services might see increased usage. However, if a significant portion of the population is unemployed, the value proposition for advertisers would decrease since purchasing power would be diminished.
  3. Competition from Free Sources: Those who still wish to access music might resort to free platforms, like certain YouTube channels, radio, or revert to their existing music libraries.
  4. Shift in Content: The type of music and content being produced might change. During economic hardships, music often reflects the mood of society, and this could lead to a surge in music that speaks to these struggles and challenges.
  5. Alternative Revenue Streams: Music streaming platforms might need to explore alternative business models or revenue streams. This could include branching out into other forms of entertainment, enhancing premium features, or exploring partnerships and integrations with other services.
  6. Potential Societal Solutions: If AI and automation lead to massive unemployment, itā€™s likely that there would be significant societal and governmental interventions. Solutions like Universal Basic Income, job retraining programs, or other social safety nets could be implemented to maintain some level of consumer spending.

In summary, in a world where the majority of people have lost their jobs to AI, traditional consumer-based business models, including music streaming, would face significant challenges. Adaptability, innovation, and potential societal or governmental interventions would be key to their survival and viability.

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In this case the music industry will be the least of our problems :slight_smile:

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I think we should just train AI to handle the nuclear codes so we can all be safe :innocent:

Here is a somewhat rosy view of AI and music. Quite interesting. While the whole AI thing gives me the creeps, perhaps AI will (no joke) be able to learn the entire Miles Davis catalog and begin releasing new Miles Davis albums? Maybe it will be good music? No matter what we think, good or ill, the rubber is about to hit the roadā€¦

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AIā€™s impact on humanity, is a much bigger issue than its direct impact on music supply & artists.
This concern although legitimate is absolutely insignificant when put into perspective.
AI and general intelligence will change everything.

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True. But this is a music forum, hence the focus on music less the orderlies give us more meds should we deviate too far topically :grinning:

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Letā€™s call it Skynet.

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The Singularity nears -

Also, for a sobering analysis of the dangers see -

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