Will AI Replace Authors? The Future of Writing

The publishing industry and education industry has witnessed a paradigm shift, after the rise of generative AI such as Chat GPT and many others, which raises the question why are writers worried about AI? And why is there a fear among teachers, and artists that AI might replace them? This blog first discusses what is generative AI, then, it talks about what is the role of AI in writing?, and whether it can actually be replaced, or not, and it talks about human creativity and writers and teachers use AI to design and curate content. 

However what is actually Generative AI? The famous kind of generative AI right now is Open AI. It is an artificial intelligence software to help with their work, and create funny things. It searches its own database of knowledge as an answer to prompts. AI generated writing is formal, structured and does not have nuances like human writing.  AI may assist authors in the writing process, but it is unlikely to replace authors. 

The Power of Creativity Unique to Humans

Art, poetry, music, novels, plays, and comedy are a result of the human brain. AI can do great work, due to some prompts, but great works in history such as The Tale of Two Cities, Home Alone are a result of efforts by authors, and in a time where AI was not even there. 

Hence, it is great, yet it cannot envision on its own, it needs prompts from humans, in order to work. It can move mountains, if used properly. It can also become creative, and may be out of human creativity  because it now knows how to write poems.

How is AI actually used in Writing?

It can be used to research a topic such as Scotland’s architectural wonders, if you are writing a book on this topic. It can be used to edit grammar and shoddy plotlines. It can also help to put thoughts in a logical manner. It is also used to build fictional worlds by building narratives and working on the flow of a story. 

This also brings to another question: Should authors be given credit for a book which is AI generated? New tools need to be developed to contradict dark patterns, and help to break limitations reminiscent of AI. 

But the question still remains. Will AI replace authors? Not any time soon. We all try to have a Nostradus complex trying to predict the future. There is still a market of authors, who write original content without the aid of AI.

Another area where AI has superseded people is the education sector, so the question arises? Will AI replace teachers?

70% educators are wary of AI technology replacing teachers, instead of formal instruction. According to many parents, and educators, teachers should remain at the helm of formal schooling.

Ensuring Equitable Usage of AI

Artificial Intelligence can work wonders, if used properly in schools. Many areas do not have access to the Internet which makes access to digital textbooks a challenge. These textbooks are only available in English, hence interpersonal contact is essential to make students comfortable with English in the spoken form. 

They can now provide support in multiple languages apart from the languages they know. AI can replace teachers with tasks that can be automated.

• Tasks which can be automated: Automated tasks are compiling book lists, grading homework and tests. Answer sheets can now be electronic allowing students to give the exam in the comfort of their home. 

•  Augmented Tasks: These are tasks that cannot be automated and require precision, planning and specialised skills that include curriculum design, developing training materials. Planning picnics and activities.

AI can replace teachers, authors, or artists. They are people with knowledge, and they cannot function without prompts. Teachers, artists and writers bring their personal anecdotes to life in their created works that cannot be replaced. 

Technologies may come and go , but no technology can ever automate what a person feels, and depicts through writing, teaching and creating. If a writer wants to depict a personal struggle in his/ her book something he/ she only endured. This exemplifies the might of human creativity. We just need to write and work even better, so that the tasks we do can never be automated. 100% original works which have been written from the mind’s eye can never be replicated.

Teachers making a lesson plan and including a field trip with things to see cannot be completely replaced, if a teacher gives examples and illustrations to support it. Get personal, creative and engaging. Unleash creativity and become technical to make sure writing, teaching, or creations remain undeterred. 

The question remains for technical writers, can AI replace technical writers? No, they cannot because a technical writer writes on the basis of technical knowledge, and AI needs to be instructed, hence they are not liable to be replaced. Writers need to bring their human touch back to reinforce their writing to go a long way.