Key Takeaways:
- The article discusses the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on writing and the importance of preserving human originality.
- The author argues that AI-generated writing lacks flair and style, and that human writers should not rely solely on AI for their work.
- The article raises questions about the ethics of using AI to write opinions and pass them off as human-written, and whether it is legal or ethical to put one’s name on an AI-generated document.
- The author believes that AI has its place in research and proofing, but that human writers should still fact-check and edit their work to ensure accuracy and originality.
- The article concludes with a call to "rage against the machine" and preserve human humanity in the face of encroaching AI.
Introduction to the Topic
As the New Year begins, many people make resolutions that they often fail to keep. The author of this article takes a different approach, choosing instead to simply start doing what they want to achieve, rather than making a formal resolution. This approach is applied to the topic of writing and the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the profession. The author notes that "writing is as much an art form as it is a means of conveying ideas and information in a highly readable manner." However, with the rise of AI-generated writing, the author questions whether this type of writing can truly be considered "writing" in the classical sense.
The Detection of AI-Generated Writing
The author recently noticed that a certain individual with political aspirations had been flooding the editorial page with well-written but pedestrian op-eds and letters to the editor. Upon running these columns through AI-detection programs, the author found that they scored highly as AI-written, with one program declaring that one of the columns was 97% human-written, while another program asserted that one of the author’s own columns was AI-written. This led the author to conclude that "some AI-detection programs are unreliable and downright stupid." As the author notes, "I guarantee my writing is 100% authentic human," highlighting the importance of authenticity in writing.
The Ethics of AI-Generated Writing
The author raises important questions about the ethics of using AI to write opinions and pass them off as human-written. Is it legal or ethical to put one’s name on an AI-generated document and claim that you wrote it? The author notes that a legal publisher they used to write for made it clear that using AI to write articles was grounds for termination. The author also recalls attending meetings and seminars on AI in the workplace, where some individuals happily declared that AI could do their job for them, leading the author to wonder if these individuals would find themselves out of a job if AI were to take over.
The Limitations of AI-Generated Writing
The author believes that AI can help with research and proofing, but that human writers should still fact-check and edit their work to ensure accuracy and originality. As the author notes, "I use it for research and to proof my work for errors. But I still must fact-check the AI research, which is notorious for making stuff up." The author also notes that AI-generated writing lacks flair and style, and that human writers should strive to create original and quirky work. As the author says, "My writing has nuance. It is personal, quirky and original. Often, I don’t know how or what I’m going to say until I say it."
The Importance of Human Originality
The author concludes by noting that AI has its place in the world, but that human originality and creativity should be preserved. As the author says, "Would you prefer to receive a real flower or plastic one? Would you prefer a personal, handwritten letter from your lover or a perfectly printed ‘Hallmark’ card of saccharine sentiments?" The author calls on readers to "rage against the machine" and preserve their humanity in the face of encroaching AI. As the author notes, "I wish everyone peace, love and human originality in 2026." The author’s message is clear: human originality and creativity are essential to a fulfilling and meaningful life, and should be preserved in the face of increasing automation and AI.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the article highlights the importance of preserving human originality and creativity in the face of increasing automation and AI. The author argues that while AI has its place in research and proofing, human writers should still strive to create original and quirky work. The article raises important questions about the ethics of using AI to write opinions and pass them off as human-written, and whether it is legal or ethical to put one’s name on an AI-generated document. As the author notes, "I don’t need or want AI to plasticize my work." The article ends with a call to action, urging readers to preserve their humanity and originality in the face of encroaching AI.
https://www.theunion.com/news/community/ideas-opinions-tom-durkin-authentic-v-artificial-intelligence/article_7215a0da-b6aa-40e8-8d70-f48da05196fb.html