The world we live in is characterized by a ceaseless stream of news, stories, and information. Whether it’s scrolling through social media feeds or flipping channels on television, we are constantly bombarded with narratives that shape our understanding of the world. However, while there is an abundance of stories to devour, there is an inherent limitation to their creation and consumption. Generating a truly compelling story, one that resonates, captivates, and inspires, is no easy feat. It requires creativity, depth, and a profound understanding of human emotions. Unfortunately, artificial intelligence, although advancing rapidly, still falls short in its ability to authentically create stories that connect with readers on a deep emotional level.
Understanding the limitations of AI-generated stories
Overview of AI capabilities
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionized various industries, including creative fields such as storytelling. With advancements in natural language processing and machine learning algorithms, AI is now capable of generating text that resembles human writing. However, it is important to understand the limitations of AI-generated stories.
Limitations in generating unique storylines
While AI can effectively generate text based on existing data and patterns, it faces challenges in producing truly unique and original storylines. AI algorithms rely on existing information and trends, making it difficult for them to create entirely novel narratives that deviate from established patterns. This limitation poses a challenge in generating fresh and engaging content for readers.
AI lacks the contextual understanding and creativity that humans possess. Human storytellers have the ability to draw from personal experiences, emotions, and imagination to craft narratives that captivate audiences. AI-generated stories often lack the depth and complexity that come from human creativity.
Additionally, AI lacks the intuitive understanding of emotional depth and nuanced character development. Human writers excel in portraying characters with complex motivations, thoughts, and emotions, enabling readers to connect with the story on a deeper level. AI-generated stories often fall short in creating such compelling characters, resulting in a potential lack of emotional resonance.
It is crucial to recognize that AI’s limitations should not diminish its value but rather highlight the distinctive qualities that human storytellers bring to the table. The collaboration between AI and human creativity can be a complementary approach, leveraging the strengths of both parties.
By acknowledging these limitations, we can better understand how AI can be integrated into the creative process, while recognizing the irreplaceable role of human creativity in storytelling.
The importance of human creativity in storytelling
Highlighting the unique qualities of human storytelling
In the age of artificial intelligence (AI), human creativity remains an invaluable asset in the realm of storytelling. While AI has made significant advancements in generating text and narrative structures, it is crucial to recognize and appreciate the distinctive qualities of human storytelling.
Human storytelling possesses a depth and richness that is unparalleled in AI-generated narratives. Unlike AI, humans are capable of drawing from their own lived experiences, emotions, and imaginations to craft stories that resonate with the human condition. Through storytelling, humans are able to tap into universal themes, explore the complexities of human relationships, and convey a myriad of emotions in a way that connects deeply with readers and listeners.
Emphasis on emotional depth and nuanced character development
One of the key aspects that sets human storytelling apart from AI-generated stories is the ability to create emotional depth and nuanced character development. Human storytellers excel in capturing the complexities of human emotions, motivations, and inner conflicts, thus bringing characters to life in a way that engrosses the audience.
Emotional depth is a critical element in storytelling as it allows readers and viewers to develop a genuine connection with the characters and their journeys. This connection is often what makes stories memorable and impactful. Human storytellers are masters at evoking a wide range of emotions, from joy and love to sadness and despair, creating a multi-dimensional narrative experience.
Likewise, human storytellers excel in crafting nuanced characters that challenge stereotypes and offer a deeper understanding of the human experience. Through their storytelling, they can explore the complexities of human nature and address social, cultural, and psychological issues in a way that promotes empathy, understanding, and growth.
In essence, the unique qualities of human storytelling, such as emotional depth and nuanced character development, contribute to the richness and authenticity of narratives. While AI may assist in generating certain elements of a story, it is the human touch that ultimately brings a story to life and resonates with audiences on a deeper level. As technology continues to advance, it is essential to acknowledge and preserve the irreplaceable role of human creativity in storytelling.
Potential challenges in generating AI-assisted stories
Lack of originality and diversity in AI-generated content
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to advance, there is an increasing interest in utilizing AI for various creative endeavors, including storytelling. However, one of the potential challenges in generating AI-assisted stories is the lack of originality and diversity in the content produced.
AI systems rely on existing data and patterns to generate stories. While this can be useful for generating coherent narratives, it can also result in a lack of novelty and creativity. AI algorithms often prioritize commonly used storylines, character archetypes, and tropes, leading to repetitive and predictable narratives.
Furthermore, AI systems lack the ability to generate truly unique ideas that stem from human experiences and perspectives. Human creativity is influenced by a multitude of factors such as personal experiences, emotions, and cultural background, which AI struggles to emulate. These limitations can result in AI-assisted stories that lack the authentic and diverse voices that make human storytelling so compelling.
Overreliance on existing data and trends
Another challenge in generating AI-assisted stories is the overreliance on existing data and trends. AI algorithms are trained on large datasets, often comprising of existing works of literature, movies, and other forms of storytelling. As a result, the stories generated by AI may be influenced by the dominant narratives and trends present in the training data.
This reliance on existing data can lead to a lack of innovation and the perpetuation of biases and stereotypes present in the training data. If the training data is predominantly from a certain demographic or cultural background, AI-generated stories may lack diverse perspectives and fail to accurately represent underrepresented communities.
Furthermore, AI systems may struggle to keep up with evolving societal trends and changes. They may not accurately capture the nuances and complexities of contemporary issues, resulting in stories that feel outdated or disconnected from current realities.
Addressing these challenges requires a balance between AI assistance and human creative input. While AI can aid in generating ideas and improving productivity, it is crucial to prioritize the unique qualities of human storytelling, such as emotional depth and nuanced character development, to ensure the creation of original and diverse narratives that resonate with audiences. Additionally, efforts should be made to address biases and ensure responsible use of AI technology in creative fields. With careful integration, AI has the potential to enhance human creativity and storytelling, resulting in a mutually beneficial relationship between technology and human imagination.
Maintaining ethical standards in AI-generated content
Addressing issues of plagiarism and copyright infringement
AI-generated content raises concerns regarding plagiarism and copyright infringement. As AI algorithms analyze vast amounts of existing data to generate stories, there is a risk of inadvertently reproducing copyrighted material without proper attribution. It is essential for AI developers to implement robust measures to ensure that AI-generated content adheres to copyright laws and respects the intellectual property rights of creators.
To address these concerns, AI systems can be equipped with mechanisms that compare generated content with existing copyrighted works to identify potential infringements. Additionally, AI models can be trained to recognize and appropriately modify or credit pre-existing content to maintain ethical standards. Collaborations between AI developers and legal experts can help establish guidelines and frameworks that govern the permissible use of copyrighted material in AI-generated stories.
Ensuring responsible use of AI technology in creative fields
Another ethical consideration in AI-generated content is the responsible use of AI technology in creative fields. AI algorithms can potentially automate tasks traditionally performed by human creators, leading to concerns about job displacement and the devaluation of human creativity. It is crucial to strike a balance between AI assistance and human involvement to preserve the integrity and value of creative professions.
One approach to address this concern is to view AI as a tool that enhances human creativity rather than replacing it. AI can aid in generating ideas, improving productivity, and providing valuable insights to human writers. By utilizing AI as a complementary tool, creators can leverage its capabilities while maintaining their unique storytelling perspectives and expressions.
Furthermore, responsible use of AI technology involves transparency and accountability. Creators and AI developers should be transparent about the involvement of AI in the creative process, ensuring that audiences are aware of the extent of AI’s contribution. Additionally, creators should have the ability to make informed decisions about the use of AI and retain control over the final output.
By adhering to ethical principles and promoting responsible practices, the creative industry can harness the potential of AI while protecting the rights of creators and preserving the authenticity of human storytelling.
Overall, maintaining ethical standards in AI-generated content requires addressing issues of plagiarism and copyright infringement and ensuring responsible use of AI technology. Through the development and implementation of guidelines, transparency, and collaboration between AI developers, legal experts, and creators, it is possible to navigate the ethical challenges and embrace the collaborative potential of AI in the creative landscape.
The Role of AI in Supporting and Enhancing Human Creativity
Exploration of AI as a complementary tool for writers
AI technology has made significant strides in recent years, revolutionizing various industries. In the realm of creative writing, AI has emerged as a complementary tool that can support and enhance human creativity. Rather than replacing human writers, AI can be harnessed as a valuable resource to spark inspiration and offer unique perspectives.
One area where AI excels is in generating ideas. By analyzing vast amounts of data, AI algorithms can identify patterns, trends, and connections that a human writer might not readily consider. This ability to recognize hidden links and insights can assist writers in brainstorming new concepts and storylines that push the boundaries of creativity. AI can serve as an innovative thinking partner, suggesting novel angles and approaches that may have otherwise eluded the writer.
Moreover, AI can help writers improve their productivity and workflow. Writing can be a laborious and time-consuming process, but AI tools can automate certain tasks, such as grammar and spelling checks, enabling writers to focus on more substantial elements of their work. Additionally, AI-powered language models can suggest alternative word choices, sentence structures, and even provide real-time feedback on writing style and tone. By leveraging such AI-driven tools, writers can streamline their writing process, refine their craft, and produce higher quality content more efficiently.
Examining AI’s potential for assisting in generating ideas and improving productivity
AI’s potential for assisting writers goes beyond mere idea generation and productivity enhancement. AI algorithms have the capability to analyze vast amounts of existing writing to identify patterns, themes, and structures that resonate with audiences. By leveraging this knowledge, AI can provide valuable insights into what works and what doesn’t in storytelling.
For example, AI-powered content analysis can help identify narrative elements, such as plot arcs, character development techniques, or pacing, that have proven successful in popular stories. By understanding these patterns, writers can make more informed decisions about their own narratives and tailor their storytelling techniques to engage their target audience effectively.
Additionally, AI can assist in the research process by scanning and analyzing a wide range of sources to provide writers with accurate and up-to-date information. Whether it’s historical facts, scientific data, or cultural references, AI-powered research tools can save writers valuable time and effort, allowing them to focus on crafting compelling narratives.
While AI is a powerful tool, human creativity remains paramount in the storytelling process. AI can provide assistance and enhance efficiency, but it cannot replicate the depth of emotional connection that comes from a human writer’s personal experiences and insights. The synergy between AI and human creativity holds great potential for pushing the boundaries of storytelling, enhancing the quality of creative content, and opening up new possibilities for the future.
## VThe evolving relationship between AI and creative industries
### A. Discussion on how AI is reshaping the creative landscape
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been making significant strides in various fields, and the creative industry is no exception. The evolving relationship between AI and creative industries is transforming the way we approach storytelling, music, art, and more. This section explores the ways in which AI is reshaping the creative landscape.
AI technologies have the capacity to analyze vast amounts of data, identify patterns, and generate content based on existing trends. In the realm of storytelling, AI can assist in generating plot ideas, character development, and even dialogue. The power of AI lies in its ability to process and generate content at a much faster pace than humans alone.
Moreover, AI has the potential to take creative expressions to new levels. With advancements in generative adversarial networks (GANs) and natural language processing, AI can assist in creating unique visual and textual artworks. Artists and designers are experimenting with AI-generated content, combining human creativity with AI assistance to produce innovative and captivating pieces.
### B. Examples of successful collaborations between AI and human creators
The relationship between AI and human creators has already yielded promising results. One such example is the collaboration between AI and musicians. AI algorithms can analyze a vast musical dataset, identify patterns and trends, and generate new compositions or enhance existing ones. Musicians have embraced this collaboration, using AI to explore new melodies, harmonies, and even instruments.
In the field of visual arts, collaborations between AI and artists have been equally exciting. AI algorithms can create digital images inspired by various styles or specific artists’ works, opening up new avenues for artistic exploration. These collaborations challenge traditional notions of authorship and raise intriguing questions about the role of AI as a creative partner.
Furthermore, the gaming industry has also witnessed the impact of AI on creative storytelling. AI can generate dynamic narratives that adapt to players’ choices, creating personalized and immersive gaming experiences. This collaboration between AI and game designers has expanded the possibilities for interactive storytelling and player engagement.
The evolving relationship between AI and the creative industry is not without its challenges or ethical considerations. As AI continues to shape the creative landscape, it is crucial to strike a balance between AI assistance and human creativity. This delicate interplay has the potential to redefine the boundaries of what is possible in the realms of storytelling, visual arts, music, and beyond.
The Future of AI-Generated Stories
Possible advancements in AI technology for storytelling
The field of artificial intelligence (AI) has been rapidly advancing in recent years, and its impact on various industries, including storytelling, is undeniable. As technology continues to evolve, there are several possible advancements that could shape the future of AI-generated stories.
One potential advancement is the improvement of natural language processing (NLP) algorithms. NLP is a branch of AI that focuses on understanding and generating human language. With advancements in NLP, AI systems could become even more proficient at generating coherent and engaging narratives. This could involve the integration of more sophisticated language models, allowing AI to mimic human-like storytelling styles and tones. As a result, AI-generated stories might become indistinguishable from those created by human writers.
Another possibility is the development of AI systems that can generate stories in real-time. Currently, AI-generated stories often require significant pre-training and data processing. However, future advancements could enable AI to generate stories on-demand, responding to specific prompts or user inputs. This would revolutionize areas such as interactive storytelling, where AI-generated narratives can adapt and evolve based on user interactions and choices.
Speculation on the impact of AI on the publishing and entertainment industries
The advancements in AI technology for storytelling have the potential to significantly impact the publishing and entertainment industries. With AI’s ability to generate stories efficiently and at scale, the traditional process of writing, editing, and publishing could undergo significant changes.
In the publishing industry, AI-generated stories could lead to a flood of new content. With AI’s capability to generate stories quickly, publishers may face an influx of manuscripts, varying in quality and originality. This could disrupt the traditional gatekeeping process, where manuscripts are carefully reviewed before publication. However, it could also lead to more diverse voices being heard, as AI systems have the potential to generate stories from a wide range of perspectives.
In the entertainment industry, AI-generated stories could reshape the production of movies, TV shows, and video games. AI systems could assist in generating plotlines, developing characters, and even composing music or creating visual effects. This could streamline the creative process and allow for faster production. However, it also raises important questions about the role of human creators and the uniqueness of their artistic vision.
While AI-generated stories offer potential benefits, it is important to consider the ethical implications and ensure that AI systems are used responsibly. Striking a balance between AI-generated and human-created content will be crucial to maintain the authenticity and emotional depth that human creativity brings to storytelling.
In conclusion, the future of AI-generated stories is full of possibilities. Advancements in AI technology, such as improved natural language processing and real-time generation, could transform the way stories are created and consumed. However, it is essential to navigate the ethical considerations and consider the impact on various industries, from publishing to entertainment. The relationship between AI and human creativity will continue to evolve, and finding the right balance is key to harnessing the full potential of AI in storytelling.
Analyzing the Reception of AI-Generated Content by Audiences
Examining audience preferences and reactions to AI-generated stories
In this section, we will delve into the reception and preferences of audiences when it comes to AI-generated content. As the technology behind AI continues to advance and more AI-generated stories are being produced, it is essential to understand how these creations are received by audiences.
One aspect to consider is the novelty factor. Audiences may be initially intrigued by the idea of AI-generated stories, but this alone does not guarantee their continued interest. It is crucial to determine whether AI-generated content can captivate and engage audiences in the same way that traditionally human-created content does.
Various factors can influence the reception of AI-generated stories. For instance, the quality of the writing, character development, and emotional depth are critical to creating an immersive and compelling narrative. Audiences may have different expectations and preferences when it comes to the elements that make a story enjoyable. Thus, it is essential to examine whether AI-generated stories can meet these expectations and resonate with audiences on an emotional level.
Comparing the reception of AI-generated stories to traditional human-created content
To gain insights into the reception of AI-generated content, it is vital to compare it to traditionally human-created content. Audiences have been exposed to human storytelling for centuries and have developed preferences and standards based on these experiences.
By comparing AI-generated stories to human-created content, we can identify the strengths and weaknesses of each. It allows us to analyze the unique elements that human creators bring to the table, such as their ability to infuse stories with complex emotions, philosophical themes, and moral dilemmas. We can then examine whether AI-generated stories can replicate these elements and evoke similar responses from audiences.
Furthermore, we must explore the impact of audience knowledge regarding the source of the content. Does knowing that a story was generated by an AI influence the audience’s perception and reception? This question is paramount in understanding whether AI-generated content can truly stand on its own and be accepted by audiences without bias or prejudice.
Analyzing the reception of AI-generated content by audiences provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of AI technology in storytelling. By understanding audience preferences, reactions, and comparisons to human-created content, we can gauge the potential of AI-generated stories to capture and engage audiences. This knowledge will play a vital role in shaping the future of AI in creative industries, as these insights can be used to improve the quality and acceptance of AI-generated content by audiences worldwide.
The Implications of AI on Employment in Creative Fields
Addressing Concerns about Job Displacement in Creative Industries
As artificial intelligence continues to advance and permeate various industries, concerns about job displacement and automation have become prevalent. The creative fields, which rely heavily on human creativity and innovation, are no exception. Many are apprehensive about the potential impact of AI on employment opportunities in areas such as writing, filmmaking, and design.
However, it is important to recognize that AI is not intended to replace humans in these creative endeavors but rather to augment and enhance their abilities. While AI algorithms can generate stories or create visual designs, they lack the emotional depth, unique perspectives, and nuanced understanding that humans bring to the table. In essence, AI lacks the ability to truly replicate the human creative process.
Furthermore, the implementation of AI in creative fields can lead to new job opportunities and roles. As AI technology evolves, it requires skilled professionals to develop, manage, and refine these systems. This opens up avenues for individuals who possess a combination of creative skills and technical expertise. The integration of AI may also lead to the emergence of new creative roles where human collaboration with AI becomes the norm.
Potential Opportunities for New Roles and Skills in the AI Era
The rise of AI presents an opportunity for individuals in creative fields to adapt and acquire new skills that complement AI technology. For instance, gaining expertise in programming, data analysis, or machine learning can provide creative professionals with a competitive edge. This allows them to work alongside AI systems, utilizing their own creative insights to shape the output of these technologies.
Additionally, AI can aid in tasks that are time-consuming or repetitive, freeing up creative individuals to focus on more meaningful and conceptual work. By offloading certain tasks to AI, creatives can allocate their time and energy towards ideation, experimentation, and refining their craft.
Ultimately, while AI may transform aspects of the creative industries and lead to shifts in specific roles, it is unlikely to cause widespread job displacement. Instead, it offers a chance for professionals to adapt, acquire new skills, and collaborate with AI systems to achieve new heights of creativity.
Ethical Considerations in AI-generated Stories
Exploring the Ethical Implications of AI-generated Content in Terms of Biases, Stereotypes, and Representation
The use of AI in generating content raises ethical concerns regarding biases, stereotypes, and representation. AI algorithms learn from existing data, which can reflect inherent biases present in society. If these biases are not acknowledged and addressed, AI-generated stories may perpetuate harmful stereotypes or reinforce existing inequities.
It is crucial for creators, developers, and AI practitioners to actively consider and mitigate bias in their algorithms. This involves conducting comprehensive audits of training data, diversifying data sources, and ensuring a diverse range of perspectives are incorporated. Additionally, ongoing evaluation and monitoring of AI systems are essential to identify and rectify any biased output.
Promoting Responsible and Inclusive AI Storytelling Practices
To ensure responsible and inclusive AI storytelling, it is essential for creators to be transparent about the use of AI in their work. Audiences should be aware when AI has been involved in the generation or assistance of creative content. This transparency allows audiences to critically engage with AI-generated stories and understand the limitations and potential biases associated with them.
Furthermore, collaboration between AI developers and diverse groups of creators can help mitigate biases and ensure representation. By actively involving underrepresented communities in the development and training of AI algorithms, the likelihood of biased content can be reduced, promoting more inclusive narratives.
In conclusion, as AI continues to shape and influence the creative industries, it is vital to address concerns regarding job displacement and prioritize ethical considerations. The integration of AI offers opportunities for new roles and skills while emphasizing the importance of human creativity. By promoting responsible and inclusive AI storytelling practices, we can harness the potential of AI without compromising on the values that make human creativity unique.
Ethical considerations in AI-generated stories
Exploring the ethical implications of AI-generated content in terms of biases, stereotypes, and representation
As AI technology continues to evolve and shape various industries, including the creative field, it becomes crucial to address the ethical considerations surrounding AI-generated stories. While the potential of AI to generate content at an unprecedented scale is intriguing, it is essential to examine the biases, stereotypes, and representation that may be embedded within AI-generated narratives.
One of the major concerns with AI-generated stories is the potential for bias and perpetuation of stereotypes. AI algorithms learn from existing data, which may inadvertently contain biases present in the data source. If the training data is biased, such biases can be amplified in the generated narratives. It is crucial to ensure that AI systems are trained on diverse and inclusive datasets to avoid reinforcing harmful narratives or perpetuating stereotypes.
Furthermore, representation is a critical aspect of storytelling. Human creators strive to depict a wide range of experiences and perspectives in their narratives. However, AI systems may lack the ability to understand the nuances of diverse representation fully. AI-generated stories may inadvertently marginalize or misrepresent certain groups of people or cultures. This can lead to the erasure or mischaracterization of underrepresented communities.
Promoting responsible and inclusive AI storytelling practices
To address these ethical challenges, it is imperative to promote responsible and inclusive AI storytelling practices. One approach is to carefully curate and review the training data used for AI models to ensure it is diverse, unbiased, and representative. This can involve involving experts from relevant communities to provide input and guidance in the content creation process.
Another measure that can be taken is the development of ethical guidelines specifically for AI-generated content. These guidelines can outline the principles and responsibilities for AI technology developers and users in the creative field. It is essential to establish transparent and accountable practices to ensure that the outcomes of AI-generated storytelling align with ethical standards.
Collaborative efforts between human creators and AI systems can also contribute to more ethical storytelling practices. Human input and oversight can help counterbalance the limitations and biases of AI algorithms. Using AI as a complementary tool rather than a substitute for human creativity can lead to more diverse and nuanced narratives.
By prioritizing responsible and inclusive AI storytelling practices, the industry can mitigate the potential harm caused by biases, stereotypes, and misrepresentation. It is crucial to remember that AI technology is a tool created and controlled by humans, and it is our responsibility to ensure that it is used ethically and responsibly.
Conclusion
As AI technology continues to advance, the ethical considerations surrounding AI-generated stories become paramount. It is crucial to acknowledge the potential biases, stereotypes, and misrepresentation that can occur in AI-generated narratives. By promoting responsible and inclusive AI storytelling practices, such as diversifying training data and involving human oversight, we can navigate the challenges posed by AI-generated content and create a future where AI and human creativity coexist ethically and harmoniously.
The Future Relationship Between AI and Human Creativity
Introduction
In this concluding section of the article, we will summarize the key points discussed throughout and offer a perspective on the future relationship between AI and human creativity.
Summary of Key Points
Throughout this article, we have explored the limitations of AI-generated stories and emphasized the importance of human creativity in storytelling. We have discussed potential challenges in AI-assisted storytelling, including a lack of originality and overreliance on existing data. Additionally, we have highlighted the need to maintain ethical standards in AI-generated content and address issues related to plagiarism and copyright infringement.
Furthermore, we have examined how AI can support and enhance human creativity by acting as a complementary tool for writers. We looked at the potential of AI in generating ideas and improving productivity. We also discussed how AI is reshaping the creative landscape and presented examples of successful collaborations between AI and human creators.
Additionally, we speculated on the future of AI-generated stories, considering possible advancements in AI technology for storytelling and the potential impact on the publishing and entertainment industries. We also analyzed the reception of AI-generated content by audiences, comparing it to traditional human-created content.
Furthermore, we addressed concerns about job displacement in creative industries due to AI and explored potential opportunities for new roles and skills in the AI era. We also delved into ethical considerations related to biases, stereotypes, and representation in AI-generated stories, promoting responsible and inclusive AI storytelling practices.
Perspective on the Future Relationship
While AI has shown promise in assisting with certain aspects of storytelling, it is unlikely to completely replace human creativity. Human storytelling possesses unique qualities, including emotional depth and nuanced character development, that are difficult for AI to replicate. Therefore, the most fruitful relationship between AI and human creativity lies in collaboration and mutual enhancement.
In the future, we can anticipate advancements in AI technology that will further support writers in generating ideas and improving their productivity. However, it is vital to maintain human oversight and critical thinking to ensure the originality and authenticity of the stories generated.
The relationship between AI and human creativity will continue to evolve, with AI becoming a valuable tool for the creative industries rather than a substitute for human talent. This collaboration will lead to new and exciting possibilities in storytelling, expanding the limits of imagination while upholding ethical and inclusive practices.
Overall, the future relationship between AI and human creativity is one of mutual benefit, as long as we recognize and embrace the unique qualities that humans bring to storytelling. By harnessing the power of AI while preserving the essence of human creativity, we can expect a future where storytelling thrives in new and unexpected ways.