Well known technology writer, now also a venture capitalist, Om Malik wrote this week that AI is changing writing.
The best part of the Internet is that it is always evolving.
It is nothing if not a reflection of we the people, who use, evolve, and shape the network. Just as the network shapes us. This truth about constant change has helped me embrace and evolve with it. And a lot of that is reflected in what I write.
The latest change that is going to shape the network, and how we work on it is the emergence of “AI” — artificial intelligence to some, but “augmented intelligence to me.”
Despite all the existential anxiety over AI, this is a natural progression of how we have worked with technology in general, and software in specific. Increased automation and simplification of tools are just part of making technology (and software) work for way more people. And that means it has to be simpler and faster. And like everything that tries to do that, it has its side effects and downsides.
Just look at blogs — when we started, blogging was not easy. You needed specialized software. Since those days, the “blogs” as we knew them have been atomized. The platforms have taken over, and blogging is everywhere: social media, newsletters, and communities – they do what we all used to do. But ultimately, the ideology of blogging is still the same. Whether you post on Twitter or LinkedIn, you are doing what I have been doing on specialized software.
An evolution in writing is not something we should be alarmed about. Just be vigilant we don’t fall into those publishing drivel with AI in an attempt to draw attention.
We certainly didn’t see AI coming, nor did we think how great writing would be if we only had Artificial Intelligence at our disposal.
Growing up, I watched black and white television. I never felt slighted or wishing for the day I’d have color TV. Never once had a desire to buy sox, delivered the next day, via something called a computer.
Same thing with my writing. I was unaware of the impact the Internet would have—transforming research from a library-bound endeavor to an instant, online routine.
These technologies redefined my expectations and experiences, much like AI is doing now for my writing process.
AI is transforming my writing and blogging to more of a dynamic and efficient process. AI helps me summarize content, do research, refine the articulation of my ideas, create social summaries and more.
AI in writing was as unforeseen as the shift from black and white to color TV or from physical books to online articles. Now, it’s growing into an indispensable tool, enhancing productivity and creativity.
AI doesn’t replace the essence of writing but enriches it, making the process more manageable and the results more impactful.