Can Magic Survive the Age of Artificial Intelligence?

Matan Rosenberg contends that artificial intelligence (AI) may not replace magic by mastering sleight of hand, but by diminishing the human appetite for wonder.
He emphasizes that magic is not just about technical skills but about elements like micro-muscle control, timing, humor, improvisation, and the chemistry between performer and audience.
Rosenberg is more concerned that AI-driven devices could deter people from attending live events like theaters, comedy clubs, and magic shows.
He warns that AI’s integration into various professions may lead to a society where people opt for engineered digital experiences over those that require real human presence and interaction.
Rosenberg invokes Martin Niemöller’s “First they came” warning to highlight that the impact of AI should not be someone else’s problem; it threatens to erode value placed on experiences that demand presence and risk.
He finds solace in the fact that people still want to gather, be surprised, and witness impossible moments unfold in real time.
Ultimately, Rosenberg questions whether magic (and by extension, human-driven experiences) can survive in an increasingly machine-dominated world, or if humans can thrive without the enchantment of magic.

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