Title: Spotify’s AI: Helpful or Harmful for Music? 

By Natalie Mendoza 

Date: December 16, 2024 

Spotify’s use of  AI to create playlists and recommend music has some users excited, but others are worried about its impact on the music industry. 

The Good: Better Playlists and Easy Music Creation 

AI helps Spotify suggest songs that match your tastes by analyzing what you listen to. Many users, like Sarah Cruz, a 17 year-old high school student, appreciate how personalized their playlists feel. “My Discover Weekly playlist always has songs I love,” she says. 

AI also makes it easier for artists to create and share music. Tools like Spotify’s “Soundtrap” help musicians make professional-sounding music, even without fancy equipment. “AI makes it easier to collaborate with artists around the world,” says Jason Mendez. 

The Bad: Risk of Losing Human Touch in Music 

However, some people worry AI could take away from the creativity and emotion that human artists bring to music. Music writer Emily Robinson says, “AI might understand patterns, but it can’t create real emotion like a person can.” 

Some musicians also fear AI-generated music could flood playlists, making it harder for new artists to get noticed. “It’s tougher to stand out when there’s so much AI music,” says Cruz. 

What’s Next? 

Spotify says AI is meant to help users and artists, not replace human creativity. But as AI improves, the question stays should it work alongside artists or will it take over? 

The Bigger Picture 

As AI continues to play a larger role in the music industry, the debate over its benefits and drawbacks will likely grow. Many users appreciate how AI makes music discovery easier, but others believe it could undermine the authenticity and uniqueness of music. The balance between technology and human creativity is still uncertain, and how Spotify responds to these concerns