I was curious what the Deep Dream AI would produce for art if I entered just a few disorders as the only text prompt for creating images. From these images, I found an example to share of how art can assist with introspection.
I ran it through about 35 iterations with minor variations. I only chose to add 5 images from each of the two variations. Each image is interesting on it's own accord. It is hard to evaluate the performance of the AI across iterations for this one. So little was given for direction that I cannot evaluate it based on a clear description. So, with these the only information that can be gathered is about how it interprets these and what recurring themes emerge.
To begin, here are 5 images that Deep Dream produced based only on the text: "Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder."
The most notable similarity seems to be that it kept depicting a child. Small circles that look like rocks of multiple colors were common. Also, all have a grey environment. Stare to hard at any of the images though and you will notice that none of the ideas are well formed. In image 5, for example, the body ends too soon. It is like it tried to create a child at a table, but continued the length of the table instead of the child. The hand is unclear, as is the face. A quick scroll by and your brain will take short cuts to fill in the errors, but if you take a minute, it gets worse the longer you evaluate it.
I also tried several iterations with the text prompt of: "Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, Attention Deficit Disorder, Cyclothymic Disorder."
The addition of Cyclothymic Disorder resulted in the human subjects being almost solely adults. I can speculate that it could be related to the most common ages of diagnosis, but I have not actually researched it, so I cannot say if that actually plays a roll. Here are some of the images produced with the added disorder.
It was an interesting experiment. To many, the nonsensical art produced and the means for achieving it likely do not seem like a great use of time. To me, it was a nice tool for introspection. With each image produced, I would try to identify how each could theoretically represent my own experiences.
In an open minded engagement with art, it seems you generally can find some way to relate, no matter how loosely. This in turn allows you to single out that thought or feeling and examine it. The mind can be a mess full of items. I believe it is useful to occasionally sift through and examine what becomes singled out.
What do we do with it from there? That is were philosophy becomes more relevant. If your mind is capable of singling out the thought and examining it, then it is surely capable of deciding what should be done with it. Nurture it, or banish it? Maybe not even something so dramatic. Sometimes it is just good to know what is in there and it will be recalled when it is time.
For an example from my own experience, I look at image 4 from the second set. I found this very relatable after staring at it for a while.
Part of what is depressing for me is looking at the medication every morning before I take it. A self deprecating voice creeps in to ask, "is this what it takes to be tolerable to others?"
Once I realized that, it became easier to shake off. In the morning, when I feel the abstract sadness while taking the meds, I remember what I realized was happening in those moments. I am then able to reign in the thought and remind myself that no one is making me do this. I asked for help and this is what helps. I am not taking it because others thought I was intolerable, or in some way unacceptable. I chose to seek out relief because I felt my life was unmanageable and disordered.
In these little ways, we can take control of our thoughts. I can adjust my mindset right there before it has a chance to snowball out of control and ruin my day. It is easier to stop a small object than it is to stop a large object with momentum. The same is true for our attitudes.
That is not to imply that if you are in a bad mood it is necessarily your fault. I am merely suggesting that preparation is as important for our attitude as it is any other circumstance in life.
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