Why you should not write with AI

Summary

In this podcast episode, the host discusses the dangers of using AI tools for writing, particularly for writers who value personal connection with their audience. The host warns against the trend of AI-generated content, emphasizing how it can harm a writer's relationship with readers, damage their skills, and lead to rejection from publishers. They highlight that readers prefer authentic human-driven work, and AI lacks the emotional depth and uniqueness that human writers bring. The host urges writers, especially beginners, to avoid relying on AI, stressing that creativity and authenticity should remain at the core of writing.

Takeaways

• 😀 AI-generated writing may harm a writer's personal relationship with their audience, especially for those whose work is appreciated because of their unique human perspective.
• 😀 Content creators may be okay with using AI tools for writing, but traditional writers should be cautious as their readers may not appreciate AI-generated content.
• 😀 Readers prefer art and writing created by humans. AI-generated content, when revealed, can lead to feelings of betrayal among readers who initially enjoyed the work.
• 😀 Many publishers and editors explicitly reject AI-generated content, with some going so far as to blacklist writers who submit AI-generated works.
• 😀 Magazines like Clarkesworld, Uncanny Magazine, and Beneath Ceaseless Skies have clear policies rejecting AI-generated submissions, stressing the importance of unique human voices in writing.
• 😀 Writing is a skill that requires constant practice. Relying on AI to write can lead to a loss of the writer's personal creative abilities and mental processes.
• 😀 Just like a person who stops cycling and starts taking a cab, a writer who stops practicing their craft may lose their ability to write effectively.
• 😀 Some content creators may embrace AI for its potential, but for writers aiming for traditional publication or to be recognized for their unique creativity, AI use could harm their reputation.
• 😀 Writers who use AI may struggle with self-doubt and dissatisfaction, feeling like they are stealing or plagiarizing instead of creating genuine work.
• 😀 The ease of AI-generated writing will eventually lead to oversaturation, where readers will reject the lack of emotional connection and relatability that human-created writing provides.
• 😀 Writing with AI may seem like the future, but it could diminish a writer's value and hinder long-term career success, as personal connection and human creativity are more valued by readers.

Q & A

What is the main argument against using AI tools for writing, according to the speaker?

The main argument is that AI-generated writing lacks the personal touch and connection that readers value in writing by human authors. The speaker emphasizes that writing with AI can jeopardize a writer's relationship with their audience and their authenticity as a creator.

Why does the speaker believe personal writing should not rely on AI tools?

Personal writing, such as memoirs or essays, is often valued because it reflects the unique perspectives and experiences of the writer. AI tools cannot replicate the human element that makes personal writing relatable and meaningful to readers.

How does the speaker explain the difference between content writers and personal writers?

Content writers focus on topics that appeal to a broad audience for commercial purposes, often using AI to generate articles. In contrast, personal writers are valued for their unique voice and perspectives, and their work is appreciated because they are the ones writing it.

What is the issue with AI-generated content in terms of its impact on readers?

Readers, especially those who engage with creative works, dislike AI-generated content because they feel betrayed when they realize that a machine, rather than a human, created the work. This can lead to a loss of emotional connection and trust.

What stance do publishers and editors take on AI-generated content?

Many publishers and editors, particularly in traditional publishing, explicitly reject AI-generated content. Some even go as far as to blacklist authors who submit AI-assisted works, emphasizing the importance of human sensibility, creativity, and unique voice in published works.

Why does the speaker believe that using AI for writing could lead to a loss of writing skills?

Writing is a skill developed through consistent practice. If a writer relies on AI tools to generate text, they risk losing the mental processes and methods they’ve cultivated over time, leading to a decline in their writing abilities.

How does the speaker compare the use of AI in writing to a loss of physical ability?

The speaker compares the overuse of AI to outsourcing a skill, likening it to losing the ability to cycle to work after relying on a cab. If writing is outsourced to AI, the writer's ability to create may atrophy over time due to a lack of practice.

What is the speaker's personal experience with using AI for writing?

Initially impressed with AI's capabilities, the speaker eventually felt uneasy about using it, describing the process as 'dirty' and akin to plagiarism. This personal discomfort led the speaker to stop using AI tools altogether.

What feeling does the speaker associate with writing using AI, and why?

The speaker associates the act of writing with AI as feeling 'icky' and like plagiarism. This is because the AI-generated content lacks the genuine human effort and creativity that writers feel proud of when they create something themselves.

What does the speaker suggest about the future of writing in a world increasingly dominated by AI?

The speaker suggests that while AI-generated content will become more prevalent, human-created works will remain valuable due to their emotional connection and authenticity. The saturation of AI content may lead readers to reject it in favor of work that resonates on a deeper, human level.