Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become an integral part of our daily lives, assisting us in tasks ranging from information retrieval and mathematical computations to brainstorming sessions. As AI technology continues to advance, its presence is only expected to grow. Within the writing community, discussions about the use of AI are becoming increasingly prevalent. Is AI a beneficial tool for writers, or does it pose a threat to the authenticity of human creativity? In this post, I will share my perspective on the role of AI in writing.
I want to begin by acknowledging that I do incorporate AI into my writing process. However, I don’t rely on it to generate topics or ideas, as I believe that the essence of writing stems from one’s own creativity. For me, AI serves more as a supportive tool—a means to verify the direction I’m taking, especially when dealing with historical contexts. Researching various historical articles online can be overwhelming, but I still undertake that task. In the end, consulting AI helps me confirm whether I’ve understood the information correctly and ensures I’m not completely off track. Additionally, once I’ve completed a piece, I use AI to check for spelling errors to avoid typos. Given that English isn’t my native language, AI has proven to be an especially helpful resource for me.
As mentioned earlier, I believe writers shouldn’t rely on AI to craft an entire story from scratch. If you can’t depend on your own imagination to develop your book, you’ll likely encounter difficulties in constructing a coherent and engaging narrative. While starting with AI-generated content might seem convenient, the lack of personal investment in the idea can hinder your ability to develop a comprehensive and compelling story.
AI Should Be Used with Caution
While AI can be a valuable tool in the writing process, it’s essential to use it judiciously. I firmly believe—and some studies support this—that over-reliance on AI can lead to complacency in our creative endeavors. In my view, AI should serve as an assistant, not as the primary creator, allowing us to remain actively engaged in our work.
There have been times when I’ve had ideas swirling in my mind but struggled to complete the narrative. In those moments, it’s tempting to let AI fill in the gaps. However, the true reward comes from persevering through the creative process and arriving at a solution that aligns with my original vision. As a writer, there’s no greater satisfaction than overcoming these challenges and producing work that genuinely reflects my thoughts and beliefs.
When it comes to generating images for my blogs, I often turn to AI tools. Admittedly, I’m not proficient with Photoshop, so AI provides a helpful alternative. However, I don’t delegate the entire task to AI. I start with a concept of my own, use AI to create an initial image, and then make adjustments to align it with my vision. In this way, AI serves as an assistant, helping to bring my ideas to life.
AI is particularly useful in areas where I lack expertise, offering support without overshadowing my creative input. However, when it comes to finalizing my book in the future, especially the cover art, I plan to collaborate with a human artist. Why? Because of the personal touch.
AI is advancing rapidly, increasingly capable of mimicking human responses. Yet, there’s an unmistakable authenticity in human-created art and storytelling. Our emotions—both positive and negative—infuse our work with depth and resonance that AI cannot replicate. As writers, our emotional insight is one of our greatest strengths. While AI can assist in many ways, it’s our human touch that truly brings stories to life.
There will always be individuals who argue against using AI in any aspect of writing. To them, I would say: it’s unwise to ignore the technological advancements of our time. In the past, writers didn’t have access to computers with spell-check capabilities. Some might have insisted that one should never use a computer for writing and should rely solely on personal spelling skills. Yet, today, it’s rare to find writers who compose exclusively with pen and paper.
Embracing the tools available to us is beneficial, provided we don’t lose sight of our core values and strengths as writers. Technology should serve as an aid, not a replacement, for our creativity and personal touch.