Taste in the Age of AI: Beyond the Basics

Taste in the Age of AI: Beyond the Basics

Category: Technology
Duration: 3 minutes
Added: September 19, 2025
Source: matthewsanabria.dev

Description

In this episode of Taste Talks, we dive deep into the complex relationship between taste and artificial intelligence with expert Matthew Sanabria. Discover why having a discerning eye is critical when using AI tools for content creation. Matthew challenges the notion that technology alone can dictate quality, emphasizing the importance of critical judgment and a well-developed sense of taste. He illustrates these concepts with relatable analogies, such as cooking, and discusses the irony of critics who often produce tasteless content themselves. Tune in to learn about the 'spectrum of taste'—the balance between depth and breadth in our appreciation of aesthetics. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the evolving landscape of design and technology.

Show Notes

## Key Takeaways

1. Taste is essential in evaluating AI-generated content; it goes beyond just using the technology.
2. The irony of critics producing low-quality content themselves highlights the need for personal accountability in creative practices.
3. The spectrum of taste includes both depth (expertise) and breadth (wide appreciation) for better content evaluation.

## Topics Discussed

- The relationship between taste and AI
- Importance of critical judgment in content creation
- The spectrum of taste and its implications

Topics

artificial intelligence taste content creation design user experience critical judgment AI ethics aesthetic quality spectrum of taste Matthew Sanabria taste talks creative design AI content technology in design

Transcript

H

Host

Welcome back to Taste Talks, the podcast where we dive into the nuances of creativity and design. Today, we’re exploring a hot topic that's been making waves in the tech and design communities: the relationship between taste and artificial intelligence. To unpack this, we have the expert on the matter, Matthew Sanabria. Matthew, thanks for joining us!

E

Expert

Thanks for having me! I'm excited to discuss this.

H

Host

Absolutely! So, Matthew, you've written about how many people are suddenly preaching about 'taste' when it comes to using AI. Can you break down what you mean by 'taste' in this context?

E

Expert

Sure! When I refer to taste, I mean critical judgment or appreciation of aesthetic quality. In the context of AI, this involves knowing when AI-generated content is appropriate, recognizing quality versus mediocrity, and understanding that AI should be a starting point that needs refinement.

H

Host

That makes sense. So, it's about more than just using AI; it’s about having a discerning eye. Can you give us an example of what that looks like?

E

Expert

Definitely! Think of it like cooking. Just because anyone can throw some ingredients together, it doesn’t mean everyone can create a gourmet dish. Taste in cooking involves knowing when to add spices, when to let something simmer, and when to step back completely.

H

Host

What you’re saying is that it's not just about the tools we have, but how we use them. Yet, you've pointed out that many people who criticize tasteless AI content often produce tasteless content themselves. Can you elaborate on that?

E

Expert

Sure, it’s a bit ironic. Many of the loudest voices in the AI conversation are often guilty of poor practices. For instance, they might copy code without understanding it or send out unedited emails. They're quick to point fingers at AI but fail to recognize their own shortcomings.

H

Host

That’s a good point. So it seems that the real issue isn't AI itself but rather people's lack of developed taste.

E

Expert

Exactly! AI has made it easier to create content quickly, but just because you can doesn't mean you should. This is where critical judgment comes in. If we had all been applying a sense of taste to our work before AI, we wouldn’t be in this situation.

H

Host

Interesting! Now, in your writing, you mention the 'spectrum of taste.' Can you explain that concept a bit more?

E

Expert

Of course! The spectrum of taste involves both depth and breadth. Depth means being an expert in a specific area, which allows you to recognize high-quality AI content. Breadth, on the other hand, is about having a wide appreciation across various domains. Ideally, you want a mix of both.

H

Host

So, we should strive to be well-rounded but also excel in specific areas?

E

Expert

Exactly! This combination enables us to better evaluate the content we create or consume, whether it’s AI-generated or not.

H

Host

I love that analogy. So, as we wrap up, what’s your key takeaway for our listeners regarding taste and AI?

E

Expert

My key takeaway is to develop your taste before you rely on AI. Don’t let AI do the thinking for you; instead, use it as a tool to enhance your own creativity and judgment.

H

Host

Great advice, Matthew! Thanks for joining us today and shedding light on this important topic.

E

Expert

Thank you for having me!

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