Seasoned attendees of the infamous Burning Man festival have declared “f**k artificial intelligence” following a suggestion that it could be used at next year’s event.
The Daily Star previously reported that 2025’s shindig in the Nevada Desert will take place between August 24 to September 1, with thousands of people flocking to Black Rock City for a feast of alternative and, shall we say, spicy activities – including the very sweaty Orgy Dome.
Burners are now buying tickets and getting excited for next year, with more than 100,000 people having already joined the Burning Man 2025 Facebook group. Festival-goers are sharing their favourite experiences, most of which are weird and wonderful – but one suggestion has really got revellers reeling.
One group member took to Facebook to ask: “What are your thoughts on A.I. regarding the future of Burning Man?” And it’s safe to say most people weren’t happy with the suggestion. “It doesn’t belong. It’s a crass and lowbrow alternative to actual creation. AI is for humans that have lost faith in themselves. Don’t use it or you’re a hack,” wrote one Burner.
Another agreed: “Nothing, but it has negatively effected the Burning Man groups on Facebook. Seems like 50% of post to these groups are s**tty AI created images that have nothing to do with real world. It’s not art and I don’t give a f**k about what a robot thinks burning man looks like.”
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
“F**k AI,” a third festival-goer bluntly put it. “Stay the f**k out of it” said a fourth while a fifth Burner added: “Burning Man is for humans.”
Not everyone was against the use of AI, however. Some believe it would actually enhance the event’s offering. “We will never see another burn without internet or Ai. No choice but to embrace it into our culture,” suggested one member.
“Maybe we can use it to load balance the server when tickets go on sale? Might help streamline allocation of land for camps too,” said one netizen. Another added: “I’m all for it if it brings the F**KING COFFEE BACK.”
(Image: Getty Images)
One joker even ironically posted a comment that was clearly generated by AI: “AI could significantly impact the future of Burning Man in various ways, potentially transforming the event while also challenging its core values of radical self-reliance, immediacy, and decommodification. Here are a few considerations: 1. Artistic Innovation. 2. Event Planning and Infrastructure. 3. Ethical and Cultural Tensions. 4. Accessibility. 5. Community and Radical Self-Reliance.”
People responded with “written by AI? Well done” and “ChatGPT in the house”.
Whether AI is incorporated at Burning Man 2025 or not, next year’s event is sure to entail some wild and bizarre antics if it’s anything like previous years. The Daily Star brought you the best stories out of the Nevada Desert this year, including many featuring the Orgy Dome – where literally anyone can get it on with each other so long as you bring some wet wipes. Events included anything from ‘virgin sacrifice parties’ to ‘revenge of horny alien scientists’, including a ‘morning wood’ circle where… well, you can guess what took place here.
(Image: Youtube/andthentheresonly love)
The Orgy Dome is set up within the And Then There’s Only Love (ATTOL) campsite, and this legendary pavilion of passion has been giving Burners an extra dose of love and connection since 2003. Those who choose to live it up at the ATTOL must abide by the “radical self-reliance” rule integral to Burning Man culture, which entails being equipped with all the essentials for survival throughout the exhilarating bash as nothing is supplied – not even water or showers.
“Back from Burning Man,” wrote one person on X after arriving home from this year’s festival. “I didn’t get involved inside but watching people in the orgy dome was hilarious – can’t wait to go back.”
Another festival-goer even claimed to have got Covid inside the famous dome. “Got covid at burning man, and it seems like my 2.5 hour stint in the orgy dome was the likely point of origin,” they declared on X. “My present sense of being a walking stereotype is hitting me harder than the virus tbh”.
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