Annual observance initiated by an ardent Elon Musk supporter, who spent a year camped at SpaceX Starbase, advocating for discussions about AI regulation with the tech magnate.
In the sun-drenched coastal town of Boca Chica, Texas, a unique event was born in 2021. AI Appreciation Day, a day dedicated to fostering understanding and appreciation of artificial intelligence (AI), was the brainchild of a freelance advertising professional named Jason Kirton.
Kirton, who spent most of last year living on Boca Chica Beach near SpaceX's Starbase facility, had a vision to promote AI-related ideas, including a film concept about a sentient AI. However, contrary to some misconceptions, AI Appreciation Day was not started by AI Heart LLC or to promote a film called AI EVE.
The original purpose of AI Appreciation Day was to enhance public understanding of AI and highlight its positive impact on daily life. It aimed to encourage discussions about how AI affects modern routines and to foster wise usage of AI systems. While the day's core intention was to raise awareness and appreciate AI's contributions to society, its celebration has primarily been confined to the social media feeds of minor AI startups, with some notable exceptions.
Emirates airline acknowledged AI Appreciation Day with an AI-generated video, and the University of Kentucky's IT department marked the occasion with a brief article. Kirton's day is even listed on the website National Today, although it requires a company and a fee for consideration.
Living on the beach was not always easy for Kirton. His savings started to dwindle, so he picked up jobs around town, mowing lawns and hosting rocket launch viewing parties. The weather on Boca Chica Beach could be challenging, with temperatures reaching over 100F in the summer. Kirton vacated his tent during SpaceX launches, when the beach is closed for safety.
Despite the challenges, Kirton found solace in the community. He befriended a woman who sells food by the side of the road, the wife of a SpaceX employee. Kirton occasionally got rides to the grocery store in the backs of locals' trucks. He even used an AI chatbot as a "confidant" and "therapist."
However, Kirton's dream of meeting Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX, remained unfulfilled. Despite his best efforts, they never crossed paths during his time on the beach.
The movie that Kirton had planned to promote AI regulation is no longer being pursued. But his legacy lives on in the form of AI Appreciation Day, a testament to his passion for AI and its potential impact on our lives.
- Jason Kirton, the freelance advertising professional, initially envisioned a professional game or race to promote his idea of a sentient AI, but that has since been set aside.
- As the environmental impact of technology-driven activities, such as rocket launches, can be a concern in Boca Chica, Kirton advocated for the wise usage of AI systems to minimize their negative effects.
- In their daily lives, AI systems have a significant, positive influence, and professional organizations such as Emirates airline and the University of Kentucky's IT department have acknowledged this by participating in AI Appreciation Day.
- Kirton's goal was to turn AI Appreciation Day into a major event, but so far, it has primarily attracted minor AI startups in the digital fight for recognition.
- Despite the challenges he faced on Boca Chica Beach, Jason Kirton found a sense of community and even utilized an AI chatbot as a source of comfort during difficult times.
