Definition of a conundrum: a confusing and difficult problem or question.

The following is an answer I got from Google to the question, “How many ants are there on Earth?”

Scientists estimate that there are 20 quadrillion ants on Earth, which is about 2.5 million ants for every human:

• Number: 20,000,000,000,000,000, or 20 quadrillion
• Mass: About 12 megatons, which is roughly the same weight as two Pyramids of Giza
• Biomass: About 20 percent of human biomass 

Ants are found almost everywhere on Earth, with the exception of Antarctica, Iceland, Greenland, and some island nations. They play a vital role in the ecosystem, including: Aerating the soil, Dispersing seeds, Breaking down organic material, Creating habitats for other animals, and Serving as both predator and prey in the food chain. However, ant populations are declining due to: habitat destruction, invasive species, and climate change. 

Despite the fact that one of my favorite sci-fi movies is “Them!” — which is about giant, nine-foot-tall ants — I generally dislike the run-of-the-mill variety. Not only do they ruin many picnics, but in certain Florida seasons, they troop through my kitchen like they own it.

It’s almost enough for me to root for climate change, or make me move to Antarctica.

Almost.

My point is that in looking up many answers for my research as a self-published author, I don’t really know if AI (artificial intelligence for those who’ve just awoken from a coma) or a “regular” search engine answered my query.

That’s the conundrum, and it’s a real one for writers. Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing now asks me if any part of my copy, or my book’s cover, has been generated by AI, which is verboten.

(Wait. The cover?)

I automatically click “No.” But now, I’m not so sure. Amazon is purportedly asking the AI question as part of a survey, but I smell a copyright lawyer afoot. I mean, are all the answers to internet research queries now AI-generated?

If the answer is yes, does that mean every time a writer googles something, it’s a crime?

The mind boggles.

Lawrence De Maria has written more than 30 heavily researched novels. He is now in hiding. Not from the authorities. He just ran out of ant poison.