Recently, I've heard discussions suggesting that websites might become obsolete as AI continues to evolve. I want to summarize my thoughts on this matter.

The Role of Websites

Broadly speaking, I believe the role of websites is "transmission of information." This can range from "mere display" to "expression of thought" and "branding."

In the Case of Mere Display

For websites that are simply lists of text information, any interface would suffice. Devices like Alexa or Google Home can adequately transmit this information. If ChatGPT could prepare appropriate UIs according to the type of information, it could nicely display the content.

In the Case of Branding

What about websites that serve a branding role? I believe there are infinite UI patterns to express each ideology and detail. It's somewhat akin to painting. However, with the advancement of AI in image generation, like Midjourney, high-quality paintings can already be generated. If ideologies can be fully expressed in text, there is a possibility that AI could create appealing representations in the future.

Websites as a Source of Information

Current websites also serve as a source of information for AI. This is only "for now," as interfaces that provide information directly to AI are expected to emerge, making it hard to say definitively.

Information Beyond Cognition

Chat-based formats are convenient for users to obtain specific information, but they only allow access to pinpointed information. Websites serve as a platform for companies, organizations, and individuals to disseminate information, offering users the chance to encounter information beyond their awareness.

Information beyond cognition cannot be actively sought.

Creative Desire, Desire to Express

The desire to express oneself, rather than using AI-generated content, exists. Creativity is moving towards broader expressions: from 2D to 3D, static to dynamic, visual only to all five senses. Of course, AI will evolve to handle all these, but leaving everything to AI is not interesting.

It seems to be a battle between human creative desire and AI's evolution. If AI-generated expressions become overwhelmingly superior, will humans stop creating? Will it become just a hobby?

Even today, with technological advancements making various creations possible at low cost, handmade products by craftsmen are respected and priced highly. However, the number of craftsmen is probably decreasing due to age factors. Without abilities surpassing technological advancements, value inevitably declines.

Hence, mastering new technology (AI) and creating more advanced works is the only way. Technology will become more universal, making creation easier. Consequently, the value of all creations will relatively decrease.

Rather than AI taking jobs, the value of work is being diminished, leading to a reduced sense of purpose in various fields.

Depending on the industry, there will be areas where AI excels and does not. But with the recent pace of evolution, these may be negligible.

Initially, software will lead, but hardware will also dramatically evolve. Robots have already made significant progress.

Writing this, I'm feeling more and more distressed...

As an exception, the value of creating AI itself seems to be rising.

Organization

Companies, organizations, and individuals have the desire to disseminate information and differentiate themselves. Infinite UI patterns exist for expressing each ideology and detail.

Chat formats require active action from users, making it difficult to seek information beyond cognition.

Thus, while websites will not disappear as the easiest place for expression, it will become easier for anyone to create high-quality sites.

Currently, handling AI requires technique, but user experience will rapidly improve, making it accessible to anyone.

Perhaps the emphasis should shift from attracting customers through websites to focusing on the business or products themselves. (Though AI might reduce their value too.)

Websites, being horizontal and not confined to specific industries, will likely continue to have demand.

However, a website is not just about creation but operation. Personally, I think AI may find it harder to modify than create, so human effort will still be necessary in this area.

"Add this feature" and having it immediately go live is a scary thought. The degree of execution authority granted to AI will become a discussion point across all domains.

If the content is entirely a black box, it's hard to operate, so knowledgeable people will still be needed.

In this sense, the process of creation will become just easier, and the demand for web production will continue.

Conclusion

I intended to talk about websites, but the discussion has become broader. My stance is that something equivalent to websites will remain as a place for freer expression.

However, in the future, AI will enable anyone to express as they wish, but the difficulty lies in "as they wish." It's hard to verbalize what one truly wants to create.

Even in the current web production industry, the quality of the final product changes depending on how well this is verbalized.

We may be entering an era where the quality of "expression" itself is more fundamentally questioned.