So there's a larger issue here -- predating even the Internet -- which I'll call "The Machu Picchu effect." In essence, it's the way that amazing first time exp

So there's a larger issue here -- predating even the Internet -- which I'll call "The Machu Picchu effect." In essence, it's the way that amazing first time experiences can be debased by having constantly been exposed to scruffy, easily accessible but lesser versions of them beforehand. I avoided this in the 1990s, before hiking Nepal's Annapurna Circuit, by refusing to watch any videos showing the trail. No, no, no. I wanted to take in the whole experience with a sense of wonder. And, yes, that's what happened. Totally unforgettable trip. Fast forward to 2012, when I had business in Peru and a chance to visit Machu Picchu. This time I messed up. I watched the videos, flipped through the slide shows, etc. So, sadly, when I hiked up to the Sun Gate and caught the first glimpse of this restored ancient city, all I could think was: "Yep. That looks just like the pictures." Generative AI certainly widens the ways we can inflict novelty fatigue on ourselves. But we've still got the ability to dial back on armchair experiences that will deaden our appreciation of the real thing.