AI in the Writing World

I know I know, it's a tool and there's nothing we can do to stop it and it's so much faster. But is AI really helping the world of reading and writing? Can an algorithm really nail down what makes the best books sparkle? Or is it just mashing things together and telling you it's good?

Here's the question I think we really need to be asking. Is the damage worth the benefits? 

There's a lot of reasons a writer might use AI or LLMs. Perhaps you struggle to focus and having a digital "someone" to check in with helps you hit your deadlines. I've heard of using AI to organize a brain dump into something more workable.

A million ways to use it without generating the actual work, and I've been known to do some of these things myself. It's not something I'm proud of. Simply the truth.

If you can't tell, I'm not a fan of the use of AI and LLMs. Anything you input is recycled. People are actively trying to train (especially free) AI resources to spout nonsense or lies. Not to mention how bad it is for the environment. 

The biggest issue I have, though it may not make sense to some, is how AI art is overtaking one of the surest signs of humanity and intelligence. 

Art has existed longer than language. Storytelling has existed as long as language. It's an important part of most cultures around the world. Historical periods are often referred to by the art styles of the time. Examples could include the Renaissance, Baroque, or Elizabethan eras. Each known for their aesthetics.

Our time is becoming known for computer generated aberrations. All the while, consumers are favoring human made products and media. Actively avoiding things that appear to be AI generated.

Whether you look at it from a humanity standpoint, an environmental standpoint, or a commercial standpoint, the only thing being saved is time. At the cost of everything else.

So, why is it only growing? We're using AI in society more and more as time goes on even with the clear drawbacks and heavy backlash from the greater part of society. I'm part of the problem myself.

Ultimately, AI really is a tool. It's actually a serious time saver, and the chances of it going away are the same as the chances floppy discs will make a comeback. What we're going to see is it being incorporated more and more and more again. 

To stand out in an exponentially growing ocean of shit, artists and creators either need to hop on board or work four times harder. We're left with no good, actionable, solutions to the problems AI is creating.

All I can say, in conclusion, is to make time for your passions. Let art become something other than a competition. Follow your values and standards and creativity knowing that even in the modern age of computer generation, humanity is the difference between connecting with your audience and simply making something.

What do you think about the use of AI in writing or other forms of art? Let me know in the comments!