Mathemagical Media

In this book, Jihoon Kim introduces new concepts to describe the unique blend of statistical precision and seemingly magical effects in generative AI. Generative AI models—such as GPT-4o for text, DALL·E and Midjourney for images, and SORA for video—are artificial intelligence systems that create new content based on patterns they’ve learned from vast amounts of data. Unlike traditional software, they don’t follow fixed rules but use deep learning to generate realistic text, images, and videos in response to user prompts. While they open new creative possibilities, they also raise concerns about misinformation, bias, labor exploitation, and resource consumption. Are these models just advanced digital tools, or do they represent a deeper shift in how we create and experience media?Much like early photography once seemed uncanny, AI-generated content feels both familiar and otherworldly. Exploring how these models are reshaping photography, cinema, and visual culture, Kim challenges claims that AI is approaching human intelligence. Instead, he encourages readers to look critically at how AI functions and what it means for art and creativity. Drawing from AI research, media history, and art theory, this book offers a fresh, accessible perspective on the impact of generative AI on our world.