Rise of the Machines

Is this the end of writing as we know it?

It’s kind of crazy how much talk is going on right now about artificial intelligence and what role it will play in many aspects of our lives such as art, literature, and music. If mere machines can create artistic works that can rival what humans themselves can do, does that make so many of our creative endeavors obsolete?

Concerns have been raised in education about students using AI programs such as ChatGPT to write their academic papers, and some school administrators are calling for a ban on it. Several large art competitions have been won by artwork that was generated by AI programs, and it has created quite a frenzy among visual artists, who are calling it unfair. Since these sophisticated software programs can create business content cheaper and faster, it is predicted that the need for human career writers in the corporate sector will be eliminated in the not too distant future.

Among my editing colleagues there has also been concern that we will no longer be necessary in the future of publication. But given the limitations that AI still has with factual inaccuracies that are common and sometimes reflecting extremist rhetoric, I think the need for capable human editors is more important than ever. We need gatekeepers for the content that is being generated to make certain that compositions are accurate and that they are compassionate and equitable to all members of humanity.

I have not heard of AI being used yet to compose a complete fictional work (that doesn’t mean that it hasn’t happened), but I’m certain that occasion is right around the corner. While AI could possibly write a novel that is as good as what many human authors could do, I don’t think this spells the end of biological entities (all my dear writing friends) in producing amazing literature. The drive that each individual has to create and tell their personal story is fierce, and I don’t think any machine can eradicate that.

Additionally, ChatGPT and other programs like it can be used in conjunction with the human process to help generate ideas and give direction to composition. It can act as a good sounding board and resource tool to get the creative juices flowing and actually aid writers in their work. So all is not lost with the rise of this new trend, as long as it is used prudently.

For an interesting discussion on AI and it’s future in writing, check out this episode of “The Editor’s Half Hour”: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ellen-polk-ai-and-the-future-of-editing/id1662404229?i=1000591961174