AI development is currently making its mark in several industries. In restaurants, it isn’t uncommon to now see machines serve you, to pay for your groceries at the self-checkout service instead of queuing for the cashier. Automobile companies, such as Tesla, have introduced an Autopilot system in every new vehicle available for purchase, designed to “reduce your overall workload as a driver”. Although these technologies are still a work in progress, AI is bringing us one step closer to potentially eliminating human labour.
The impact of AI on human creativity, however, is more complicated. Writing, for example, whether it’s academic essays, research papers, scripts, or creative pieces, there are endless opportunities. Some of the best AI writing software for 2024 was recommended by Medium, all aiming to enhance productivity and efficiency. Easily accessible, many have benefited from its use. Furthermore, the influence of AI has already made breakthroughs in communication—the sheer speed of an AI is magnificent, producing 500 words in 60 seconds. Its avenue to information and knowledge is extensive; its assistance in research can actually boost a writers’ creativity. AI is also revolutionising languages and how we learn them. Users of Duolingo can converse with virtual characters through its app, allowing for a more personal and interactive learning experience. Additionally, another remarkable success sees sign language being translated, something that was difficult to do before, as well as ChatGPT proving to be helpful for those with learning disabilities, all moving towards a more inclusive future.
Nonetheless, what can be considered the most crucial element of writing, is emotion. While AI can be a great service when it comes to certain facets of writing, for others not so much. Without emotional intelligence means a tendency for ethical issues, such as bias and a lack of originality, not to mention discrimination, all which needs to be carefully reviewed.
Milverton Saint recounts his journey with writing and how AI affects his story. In his piece, Saint details how his love for writing started, where and when he began to showcase this passion of his, and what AI has done. Interestingly, what makes this article so captivating is how personal it is, which is where AI falls short. There are three things AI is yet to achieve: Personal touch, Emotional intelligence, and Cultural context. There is a discovery that takes place when writing and, for those who love to write, a genuine happiness through the process. Even in essays and articles it’s not just spitting out bits of information, but how readers resonate with your work, because that’s what can make a difference.
The question then remains whether or not we have lost the art of writing. AI offers so much to the workforce, especially in the service industry with its speed and innovation. However, the emotional intelligence of an AI is still premature, and some even believe it will never be able to emote, imagine, and create the way humans do. Nevertheless, it is very much part of our world and will continue to be in our future, but so will writers. The solution, it seems, is to find a way to collaborate and work together with AI. To end on a positive note, “the integration of AI technology as a writing partner becomes not just beneficial but essential. You stand at the precipice of a new era where the fusion of human ingenuity and machine efficiency can produce unparalleled results.” What can be expected, then, is content that’s precise and factual, but also sentimental.
Guest blog by Chloe He.
Chloe is a recent English and Creative Writing undergraduate of the University of Exeter. With a deep-rooted love for storytelling, Chloe honed her writing skills through an inspiring academic journey that included a diverse range of courses, from the history of the novel and medieval literature to the intricacies of scriptwriting. Outside her studies, Chloe enjoys crafting short stories as a space to share insights and reflections with readers who are equally captivated by the art of language and storytelling.
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