Comment by SwellJoe
2 days ago
No one is being banned on Mastodon for talking about using AI. I talk about using AI on Mastodon. You might get blocked by individual users who don't want AI in their feed (it's their feed, they make the rules). You might even get insulted; I haven't been, but I don't post AI-generated content without being intentional about what it is and why AI is being used to generate it. I've experimented with training LoRAs or building harnesses for all sorts of things, and I sometimes post about it, no big deal.
You might also get banned from some instances if you post AI-generated content without clearly labeling it as such; misinformation and disinformation is often something people report, and generative AI is often used for that.
It is misleading to say Mastodon is the same as X just "the other side". The policies on the most popular Mastodon instances can be summed up as "don't be a bigot" (i.e. don't use slurs, don't demean people for who they are...anti-semitism, anti-LGBTQ, racism, religious intolerance, will get you banned).
And, it would be misleading to say that users not wanting to look at what you post is censorship. Mastodon.social or mas.to or any of the other big instances are not going to ban you for talking about AI. But, you might catch some blocks and a few insults from individuals if you post AI in a deceptive or annoying way. You're not owed engagement. But, if you're polite about it, you'll find people who like to talk about the same things. Even including AI.
But, finally, what the hell does this even mean, "I don't like it when minorities get a pass either"? A pass for being a minority? If someone posts abusively, they get blocked, maybe reported and maybe catch a ban. But, simply posting while black is not getting a pass.
> don't use slurs
> don't demean people for who they are
Unless they are acceptable targets of some enemy outgroup.
People already have numerous slurs for AIs and their users, and they aren't shy about using them.
> A pass for being a minority?
A pass for the very same behavior they claim to be against.
I expect people who are offended by slurs not to level any slurs at others.
I expect people who object to racism not to be racist towards others.
I expect people who object to sexism not to be sexist towards others.
I expect people who object to doxxing not to do it to others.
I expect anti-fascists not to display overtly fascist behavior.
And so on, and so forth. Many have failed these simple consistency tests.
> maybe catch a ban
Doubt. It's far more likely that I'm the one who will get banned if I dare to bring any of this up.
I suppose that's the reason people like me end up on X.
"People already have numerous slurs for AIs and their users, and they aren't shy about using them."
Brother, someone saying something about your hobby that hurts your feelings is not a slur.
There is already preliminary scientific evidence that suggests AI helps ADHD patients improve their general functioning. AI is not a "hobby", it's already becoming assistive technology. That puts prejudice against AI in ableism territory. All these offensive names are absolutely slurs, and I absolutely expect anyone who claims to be "inclusive" to avoid their use.
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