Abstract:

Artificial intelligence, especially chatbot ChatGPT, has been used to create artistic content, including poetry. Various algorithms facilitate poetry generation, with some successes noted such as in haiku composition. ChatGPT has even been seen to inspire and support students in their poetry writing. However, the challenge remains in evaluating the quality and originality of AI-generated poetry. There's some aversion among people towards AI poetry and difficulties in meeting some literary standards. Despite these challenges, AI's involvement in poetry generation has sparked rich research, urging us to consider this technology's impact on our culture and society.

This research aims to investigate perceptions and recognition of AI-generated poetry versus human-created poetry. The main hypothesis suggests that participants won't be able to accurately distinguish between the two. A descriptive qualitative case study was conducted, with data gathered through semi-structured interviews. A quota-based sample of 104 participants, divided into age and gender groups, was used.

The research process involved creating a poem using ChatGPT that emulated Slovenian poet France Prešeren's style. Another poem by Prešeren was used for comparison. Both poems were read to each participant followed by a semi-structured interview. The interview questions focused on the poem's authorship, style, depth of meaning, any peculiarities indicating AI involvement, and final authorship conjectures.

Data was analyzed by transcribing the audio responses, organizing and coding the material, and creating categories and a theoretical framework. A variety of coding units were designed to capture the richness of participants' responses. Data analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon signed rank test with MS SPSS software.

The study showed participants couldn't distinguish between a poem written by AI and a human. Both styles were appreciated, though the human poem's vocabulary richness was recognized more often. Participants detected similarities with France Prešeren's work in the AI poem, but were uncertain of its origin. Both poems elicited similar emotional depth, but the AI poem was less often described as lyrical. When asked about authorship, most associated the human poem with Prešeren, while the AI poem was often believed to be by another human author. Artificial intelligence, while achieving groundbreaking advancements like creating poetry, remains a tool that lacks human culture. It can't experience cultural values or develop national consciousness. As we navigate a revolutionary era shaped by AI and globalization, we must uphold and promote our unique cultural heritage. Notably, engaging with works by significant cultural figures, like France Prešeren, helps foster a tangible connection to one's culture. While AI's creative process is impressive, it is paramount to preserve and cherish human creativity and expression, as they form the core essence of art.

Keywords:

Artificial intelligence, ChatGPT, creative process, France Prešeren, perception.