Mike Shinoda says his enthusiasm for AI has faded after spending time experimenting with different applications. Responding to a fan on Discord, the Linkin Park musician described a narrower role for the technology in his daily life and growing concerns about the companies developing it.
The exchange began with a fan asking him to avoid AI. Shinoda explained that he had tried different tools to form his own opinion, but that the experience had not left him especially enthusiastic.
“These days, I’m not a big fan,” he wrote.
Shinoda said he still uses AI to research subjects or find things to do in a city. His criticism focused on the broader industry, describing news about the companies involved as disturbing without identifying a particular company or incident.
“It’s nuanced, but I’m personally more skeptical than ever on it,” he added.
Those comments mark a change in emphasis from his earlier public support for Authentic Artists. In an April 7, 2021 report, Variety named Shinoda among the startup’s investors and advisers as it introduced its virtual artist platform.
Founded by former Oculus music executive Chris McGarry, Authentic Artists developed animated performers whose music could respond to audience input. The company presented that interaction as a way for listeners to participate in a performance, with software composing and producing the music performed by its characters.
Shinoda’s comments at the time emphasized the possibility of collaboration with listeners through live digital channels. His Discord response addresses a broader question about his personal use of AI and his confidence in the businesses behind it.
The exchange does not establish a change in his financial relationship with Authentic Artists or announce a policy for Linkin Park. The uses he identified were practical ones: gathering information and looking for activities while visiting a city.
