Nudge Why AI-generated content won't move you
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Sep 8, 2025 Matt Johnson, a Professor of Consumer Psychology at Harvard, discusses the intriguing disconnect between our attraction to AI-generated art and our emotional responses once we know its origin. He explores how storytelling enhances the value of art, and why human creativity remains unmatched. Johnson reveals that while AI can mimic human qualities, it often lacks the emotional depth that connects us to genuine art. He also touches on branding challenges for AI in the creative realm, suggesting a future where AI collaborates with human artistry.
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Painting That Saved Bill Murray
- Bill Murray credits a painting with pulling him out of a suicidal episode after a failed audition.
- The painting gave him a renewed sense of purpose and literal hope for the future.
People Perceive Hidden Essence In Objects
- Essentialism describes how people perceive an object's hidden essence beyond its physical bits.
- That perceived essence elevates value and emotional meaning for observers.
Stories Turn Junk Into Priceless Objects
- A storytelling experiment added origin stories to cheap objects and resold them on eBay for ~500x higher prices.
- The identical physical items became vastly more valuable once their story added perceived essence.
