AI Can Do Many Things, But It Won't Help You With This

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming more prevalent in our daily lives and offers a variety of capabilities, but when it comes to something as personal and intricate as writing, it may not be the best option.

AI and Writing Assistance

Just like many other tools, AI programs like Microsoft’s Copilot intend to assist in drafting letters, emails, and reports with just a click. However, while they may promise convenience, they also threaten to deskill our writing abilities.

Writing is an essential skill that requires practice, similar to exercising a muscle. If we rely too much on AI for our writing tasks, we risk becoming dependent on it, which hampers our ability to express ourselves authentically.

The True Nature of Writing

Many AI proponents often fail to grasp the essential nature of writing. AI can generate routine texts like receipts or simple emails, but genuine writing involves personal thoughts and creativity that AI cannot replicate. It starts with a human brain bursting with ideas, refining them over time into coherent messages.

When crafting a message, whether it’s a complaint or a rapport-building email, the act of writing often leads to insights we might not initially possess. Writing itself is a thinking process; we don’t just write down existing ideas; we uncover new ones through the act of writing.

The Human Connection

Consider a simple scenario where you need to request a refund from a service provider. You might tell AI to generate the email, but it’s during the writing process that genuine, personal touches can appear. Maybe you recall a shared interest with the service provider and add that detail, creating a relatable connection.

Such moments of humanity—acknowledging little things that bring us together—are fundamental to effective communication. AI-generated responses often lack this personal connection, leading to exchanges that feel robotic and impersonal.

The Danger of Losing Writing Skills

As we see more AI tools designed to assist us with writing, we must ask ourselves: What are we risking? If we let AI handle the bulk of our writing tasks, we may unknowingly be losing valuable skills that help us think and communicate effectively.

The true beauty of writing lies in the moments of contemplation and discovery. As thoughts flow onto the page or screen, we engage in a process that sharpens our ability to express ourselves clearly. A world without writing could easily become a world with less thoughtfulness and creativity.

Conclusion

While AI can simplify certain tasks, we must be wary of over-reliance on these technologies. The craft of writing should not be underestimated; it is integral not just to communication but to the very way we think and interact as humans. Rather than allowing AI to do the hard work for us, let us embrace the writing process and the valuable insights it brings.

AI, writing, communication