Have any of you been paying attention to the exploding news about recent developments in AI (artificial intelligence)? I’m guessing that some of you haven’t given it much thought and don’t believe that it will change much in your life anyway. But I beg to differ. What little I know about it, and believe me my knowledge is extremely limited, I do know that it is creating more changes than we have the ability to comprehend. Very similar to how quantum physics changed the way we looked at and think about reality and matter itself—AI is poised to change how we do things, how we relate to each other, and effectively how we evolve as a planet and a species. So, while I don’t plan on changing careers, it does seem important to me and the future of those I care about to at least familiarize myself with what it is, where it is today, and a few of the possible ways it will unfold in the very near future. And hopefully, when it is all said and done, I will discover that my writing, and yes me and all humans, are relevant in the coming days.
After reading and listening to nearly a dozen perspectives from so-called experts online it is clear that the key word is uncertainty. AI is developing so fast, and there is so much money behind it, that it is evolving daily. However, I’m guessing that most people today still think of AI as just “human-like robots.” But what I’ve learned after only slight digging is that everything related to computer technology at this point is becoming “AI.” That’s because connected computers today with the right storage capacity and program abilities are all operating using AI (learning from themselves and each other) to a greater or lesser extent. What AI does is simply utilize information/data in order to achieve outputs, goals or tasks at rates of speed and complexity that dazzle. Chances are, if we compute something on our computer or search for anything on our phone or the internet, we are using some form of AI.
Ever searched for something on your phone or laptop using Google and had an ad for it turn up in an hour or two on your Facebook page? Or ever asked Alexa to play a song for you and then had to listen to 20 more similar songs play for you? Do you wonder how Netflix makes its recommended movies and shows? Or what about going shopping and had that product show up in all your future advertisements? Behind these suggestions and hundreds more like them is the power of algorithms. Until recently I thought of algorithms as separate from AI but at their core they are doing what the programs behind them do to search, gather and then communicate data to those who pay the money to learn them. All AI. Again, like you I don’t necessarily like unknown entities knowing about me, but if you use a phone, a credit card, bank, shop, watch tv or listen to music—there are algorithms watching us and collecting data everywhere we go. (Those in the know call them “algos.”) And guess what? Every day AI is getting better and better at gathering and using data every single minute.
Now I know it is easy to imagine the worst-case scenario but the truth is that AI is already making our lives much easier in many ways. Using the computer or our phones makes shopping, banking and communicating simple. Remember when you had to find a payphone and use coins to call? In exchange for that convenience and ease is our privacy and motivations. And while some of us will attempt to go off the grid to try to hide from it all, at some point it will be nearly impossible. Do we make ourselves crazy and fear the worst? Or do we find a way to live with it—not blindly—but as carefully and as intelligently as possible? To use it—instead of it using us? The choice as usual, will be up to us.
On a personal level, I have been watching with great interest about the most recent advances in AI in the area of writing and content creation. Current announcements are proclaiming that AI is able to write emails, complete articles, blog posts and even books just by having access to every word ever written that exists on the internet. While most of these writing generators are still limited by the size of their access to content on the internet, the computer world is abuzz with the creativity and ease of some of these programs. I read about a college professor who admitted that when he read a report written by one of these text generators for his class, it was easily a B or B- paper (and far better than what many students submitted!) Every school in the country is struggling with how to manage this in the future. Why bother to even teach students to write if it is so easy to have the computer do it? (Anyone remember 8-track tapes or the slide rule?)
And what about bloggers? What about writers? If an AI Text Generator can replace us, will our work be as outdated as a factory worker by robot technicians? Possibly. Let’s recognize that any work that is repetitive and easily created or automated, will simply be replaced with the efficiency and speed of AI. While Text Generators aren’t at that level yet, it is only a matter of time. In other words, if any writing (or any work) is sub-standard, average or easily duplicated, it likely won’t last. Even today it is difficult enough to stand out as a writer or blogger, it will only be much more challenging to get your work noticed in the future.
So, is there any hope for writers or bloggers? If what writing we do can be crafted by AI, it might be time to find something else to do not so easily replaced. According to a few recent articles I’ve read and podcasts I’ve listened to, the best bet for those of us who want to stay with it will be to write as authentically, strong and as human as we are able. Surely there will be readers that want and prefer to read “human” writing and will seek us out?
I am also reminded that if we don’t personally find writing fulfilling on its own, all the more reason to stop and turn it over to AI. Reports, journals, even textbooks will likely all be done this way in the future. If we want to continue to write we must be unique and bold in our authenticity and as always, “make it up in ways that work for us.” The same goes for those who create art and music. AI may just push us to be better than we’ve been in the past.
Meanwhile online experts recommend that we at least familiarize ourselves with its possibilities and its limitations. Just knowing that algorithms are a huge part of it and data is being gathered everywhere and for everything we do, is extremely critical. I have to admit, I am rather glad that I not starting my writing career now because the entire field is changing. As with all change, some will benefit, and others will struggle to adapt. The SMART approach is to be ready and willing to face those changes as they unfold. Are you ready?
What AI text generators are out there? Here are three I tried:
- Ryter I typed in: Will AI make my blogging and writing irrelevant? Keywords: helpful, necessary, rewarding, thought provoking,
This is the text it provided:
With the rise of AI, many people are questioning whether blogging and writing will become irrelevant. The truth is that AI can be a helpful tool for bloggers and writers, but it cannot replace the thought-provoking creativity that humans bring to the table.
AI can help with tasks such as researching, editing, proofreading and formatting content. However, AI cannot provide the same level of insight and emotion that an experienced writer can bring to their work. Writing is still necessary and rewarding for those who take the time to craft their ideas into stories or articles.
- Copy AI
I gave it the same information as Ryter but for a number of reasons I kept getting an error message and it did not generate content.
- Scalenut: I typed in: Will AI make my blogging and writing irrelevant? Keywords: helpful, necessary, rewarding, thought provoking,
This is the text it gave me:
While it is true that Artificial Intelligence can now help with many aspects of writing, it does not mean that blogging and writing are irrelevant. On the contrary, the human aspect of blogging and writing is still necessary in order to create content that is helpful, thought-provoking, and rewarding. AI can help us become more efficient in our writing process, but it cannot replace the human touch. Therefore, bloggers and writers will continue to be necessary for as long as we value quality content and thought-provoking ideas.
So, what do you think? Should I keep writing?
Very interesting topic, Kathy. We have looked at some of the AI writers as well. Depending on the question asked, the response can be quite brilliant or fall flat. I agree it will be some time before it replaces the “humanity” of bloggers, writers and artists. It does push us to do our best and a little healthy competition never hurt anyone. 🙂
Staying up-to-date and keeping up with all the changes can be quite daunting especially with everything happening so quickly. Definitely not boring! And, yes, I sometimes wonder if it’s going to quickly for people, in general, to adapt and maybe this is where the fear or pushback comes from, who knows?
You mentioned Bladerunner and Terminator. I was thinking more of George Orwell’s 1984. Yes, everything you do online is tracked. Like some other comments, you look at something then you are flooded with the same or very similar articles forever. Even if you’ve already bought it!!! Annoying sometimes. And I think this is why there is a sharp increase in private search engines which don’t track you and the appeal that provides.
Loved the analysis of AI, the examples you used (thank you! only checked out ChatGPT so far) and your insights into how you think it might progress. No AI will every replace your writing as it is very thoughtful, well presented and discusses intriguing topics. Thanks for sharing!!
Hi Debbie! Thanks again. Your comment is a great reminder to keep learning and growing as we go AND to stay engaged with all that is happening to the best of our abilities. ~Kathy
AI may be able to generate an informational blog on a topic, but it won’t be able to include personal experiences and stories that only humans could experience. In my opinion, an AI blog post would be more of an encyclopedia story rather than a heartfelt human story.
Hi Mitchell! Yes I think all the AIs out there right now are more general information at this point, but from what I’ve read and heard there are SO many people working on them that it’s difficult to tell how far they will take it all. Right now it is more of a novelty so the “heartfelt human story” wins out. But who really knows for the future? As it is some stories (think of some movies or TV shows) are pretty formulaic as as it is, so it isn’t that big a stretch to think the script was produced by AI. And if they truly learn what “works” (including making something heartfelt) then perhaps they will eventually master that as well? In the meantime, those of us who write because it means something to us and those we connect to, should continue as long as we can don’t you think? Thanks for your thoughts. ~Kathy
Hi Kathy It’s Terry. We met at UU a few sundays ago. I’m enjoying your writing! It’ll be interesting to see how long it takes for AI prose or poetry for that matter to “sound human”. I’m guessing not long
Hi Terry! Thanks for stopping by and checking out my blog. And yes, I think a LOT of us are sitting back and wondering just how fast AI will go. The media around it is still very strong–just about every day I see a new article about it. Of course there are LOTS of questions (which I think is wise) but for now it’s mostly wait and see. Just knowing it is coming is about the best most of us can do. Looking forward to seeing you at UU again! ~Kathy
I think AI will come in handy when researching or writing how-to articles. Since my writing is solely based on my personal experiences, lifestyle, and travels, I don’t think AI would be of any help or disturbance to me. That being said, maybe we should start adding this note at the bottom of our blog posts, articles, and in our books when everything is authentic writing: “None of this content has been created or influenced by AI.”
Hi Liesbet! Awww…what a great idea to put a disclaimer on our blog posts and/or other writing. I think that would be a nice touch although it is hard to say what influence that will ultimately have as AI gets better and better. Like I said in my reply to Annie, “In our fast-paced world many people are looking for the quick and convenient answers and if I don’t have time to sit down and read then chances are a blurb by a computer will be just fine.” So perhaps making our blogs and writing as unique and “personal” as we can is the answer. But like with all big technological change, I think forward thinking and adaptability will be very important. ~Kathy
Thanks, Kathy. That was a well-written, thought-provoking essay. I think humans face a challenge from AI “writers.” It’s hard to imagine AI could produce a great novel but your examples show that it can form better paragraphs than some of my former students. I don’t know what lies ahead.
Hi Annie! Yes I think we’d all like to believe that AI writing will not be easily replaced by humans, but think how difficult it can be to separate fake news with real news in today’s world. All it takes is a little fact checking but that isn’t what a large percentage of people always do. In our fast-paced world people are looking for the quick and convenient answers and if I don’t have time to sit down and read then chances are a blurb by a computer will be just fine. While I appreciate the personality of the bloggers I read, if I’m in a hurry and just looking for information I don’t always have the time to sit and read through all the great bloggers I follow. I’m guessing I’m not alone in that. So who knows? I agree with you that we just don’t know what lies ahead. I tend to think being aware of and keeping an open mind is best. Thanks for your thoughts on this. ~Kathy
Hi Kathy – I’ve seen quite a bit of chatter about AI and about students using it to write essays. My daughter teaches high school English and she says it’s still a little bit simplistic and not as nuanced or ‘deep’ as an intelligently written essay by a human student. I feel the same way when I see bloggers playing around with it……there’s a lack of ‘realness’ and the blogger’s voice is lost to some degree. The only reason I read blogs is for the connection and the authenticity of the blogger – an AI generated post just doesn’t hit that sweet spot. So, I don’t see it taking us over – if anything it will make “real” posts all the more appealing to those of us who are looking for community and connection.
Hi Leanne! Nice to hear from you. I agree that present versions of AI are fairly noticeable but I’m guessing that could change and evolve fairly rapidly. But like you say, a connection to a “real” blogger should be enough to keep the relationship between readers and writers going–but who knows? However I do think it matters “why” a person writes. While I personally appreciate the connections and community I have with my readers and my community, that is only a part of why I write. Just like why I journal, a big part of why I write is because I feel the need to create and communicate regardless of who reads it. And if just one person finds it helpful or interesting I consider it a win. So for anyone who wants to create anything, AI will never change that creative urge I believe we all have. ~Kathy
As a voice actor as well as a blogger, we are trying to deal with AI voice replacement which is a major source of controversy in the entertainment industry. I’ve watched YouTube videos with stiff-sounding voices and they are always so weird. I don’t like the idea of something electronic writing for me either, as it would take the fun and individuality out of it. However, I know there are some practical uses of the technology.
Hi Rebecca! Ahhhh…I never thought about the AI voice replacement but now I can see it happening. I do know that one of the big concerns about AI is that it will be easy to create deep-fake videos or real people saying whatever the “creator” wants them to say. With our politics and news being as questionable as it is these days–THAT is really going to confuse people.
I agree that using AI to help me write doesn’t feel good to me either…but sometimes I wonder if the general public will care that much? When I think about how so many people want to copy and be like so many other people, maybe AI will help them with that? For those who enjoy creating and sharing our unusualness with other it definitely feels like a deal killer. Either way, change is coming! ~Kathy
The subject of AI came up in this week’s session of my writing group. Several suggested it would take over most of the tasks used in business and academic writing but it would never diminish creative output. I tend to disagree—the prospect gives me the shivers, but we have to be realistic. There is a lot of money behind the development of AI and as we all know money is power. In this case, the money will be applied to change many things we do today. Thanks for this post, Kathy. It has given me much food for thought!
Hi Diane! I’m guessing most writers (especially writers who are doing it commercially) are learning and trying to figure out where AI is changing things. I think the ones who have the most to lose are those who are commercial copy writers or write as you say for “tasks used in business and academic writing.” And while I completely agree that AI isn’t anywhere near close to “diminishing our creative output” there is no way to know for sure.
To me it seems a bit like writing cursive. I do it every day when I journal (Julia Cameron’s morning pages) but students and most everyone I know younger than 30? can only print (or just type on computers)…and they have no problem with that! Yet I have read enough to know that by writing cursive we actually cause things to happen in our brains that help our creativity and all sorts of other things. Anyone who doesn’t write cursive will never know or have those triggers. I’m guessing creative writing will be the same. Good? Bad? Who knows, right? We live in very interesting times. Thanks for your thoughts on this! ~Kathy
I guess my job as ESL teacher may also be dedundant.
When i was in grade 12 in 1968 the English exam question was about what the future would look like with computers. I predicted more part time work. So here we are 55 years later. Maybe AI can speed up writing. But I hope there will be better advances in IT that can improve the quality of life for us all. Better tracking of illness would be a good start. Discovering the root causes of diseases. These too can be scary with unpredictable spinoffs. Truly there are big advances ahead of us.
Hi Ann! I don’t think we can even guess what human jobs will be replaced with AI but there is no doubt many will. Of course right now the optimists are saying that even though jobs will be replaced they will also require new types of jobs that only humans can fill. Right now they are staying that humans are required to proof and fact-check (not to mention humanize) all writing input from AI but who knows how long that will last. And I was never good at proofing anyway so I know that leaves me out–haha!
And yes, teaching will be changing for sure in ways we can only guess. But hopefully the advances for health care will be good and I’m hoping that any job that is considered physically dangerous will be replicated as well. Of course just like when we went from the Agricultural Age to the Industrial Age, life changed for millions of people. Those changes are constant now and any young person (and midlife to older really) needs to be constantly reinventing how they participate in the world or they will get left behind. As you say, it can be “scary with unpredictable spinoffs. Truly there are big advances ahead of us.” Thanks for your thoughts on this.
Hi, Kathy – Wonderful post. Very current and thought-provoking. And great minds are often on the same page! <3 I plugged your entire post into ChatGPT and asked it to generate a one-paragraph comment. I thought it did a great job. I agree with its core statement — especially in its encouragement for you to keep on writing!
"As an AI language model, I can understand the concern that AI text generators may replace human writers and bloggers in the future. However, it is important to note that AI-generated content is still limited in terms of creativity, originality, and the ability to truly connect with readers on an emotional level. As your blog post suggests, the key for writers and bloggers to stay relevant is to focus on creating unique, authentic, and compelling content that reflects their own voice and perspective. While AI may make some forms of writing easier and more efficient, it cannot replace the human touch that makes writing truly special. So, yes, I would encourage you to keep writing, but also to stay informed about the changing landscape of the industry and be open to learning new skills and techniques that can help you stay ahead of the curve."
Hi Donna! Thanks for using an example from ChatGPT. I used it a couple of weeks ago to give me a drawing/visual and wasn’t too impressed. I came up with the programs I used by typing in “Best free Text Generators for Writers” and they gave me a list of ten. I think the challenge will be to decide how and when and if any of us will use what they offer. But as I’m sure you also discovered, at the current time they are not reliable as far as accuracy (facts, dates, etc) and are very dependent upon their connection to other writing and/or input–so it will be interesting to see how that all develops in the future.
And yes, I’m glad to see that ChatGPT wants us to continue writing! It would be interesting to see a year from now if it says the same thing!!!! ~Kathy
Hi, Kathy – Thank you for providing some other Text Generator samples. The only ones that I have used so far are the AI Paragraph and Images Blocks from WordPress and ChatGPT. Even though, in a Valentine’s Day Poem, ChatGPT told Richard that I loved him with all of my house, I have still been surprisingly impressed by many of its replies. Will I continue to use it on my blog? Not likely, or just as a spelling and grammar checker. Will I continue to follow its development? You betcha! 😀
Hi Kathy,
I’m so glad you wrote about AI as I have been wondering about the ramifications for a while now. I hope you don’t give up your blog, as I find what you write about always gives me good food for thought! And I would rather read what another human is pondering, than what a computer has put together. Same goes for reading a non fiction book.
So my feelings are the horse is out of the barn, so I will keep myself informed as a good way to deal with the uncertainty. As a human we are fortunate that we get to choose. So we always will have that option to read a blog or book written by a human or a computer.
Hi Marnie! Thank you–it’s always nice to know my writing is appreciated 🙂 And I agree, the “horse is out of the barn” so keeping informed at least helps us to stay engaged in the world. At this point we still have a lot to contribute and I think we owe it to younger generations to help shepherd what’s coming in ways that serve us all. ~Kathy
It’s not only writers that are wondering! A few weeks ago, a friend told me about Midjourney, an AI program where you put in a long complicated string of prompts – anything your imagination can dream up – and it produces a piece o f art – in seconds. In fact, 4 pieces in a grid, and you can choose one and upscale it or ask for 4 more variations on it. Seriously – and it is gorgeous art! A prompt like “fat tabby cat walking through the streets of Hungary carrying a bag of turnips.”
If I could post that picture here I would – the four pieces were beautiful!!
The program allows you to see other prompts that people are creating, and some of them were amazing. People were asking for logos for businesses, specific illustrations for graphic novels, etc. This could replace human artists, as well.
I’m not frightened by this; maybe I should be, but technology…it moves us forward. Perhaps at a speed that is outpacing our consciousness. But fighting it would be like swimming upstream, wouldn’t it? I am embracing it as best I can. Indeed, AI art could save me hours of searching through reference photos to paint!
Hi Jamie! Yes, thank you for bringing up the impact to artists. It is exciting and a scary at the same time. Like you I used one of the AI programs out there a couple of week’s ago and put in “give me a photo for SMART Living 365” or something like that. What I got back was pretty strange (it is a bit hard to describe it!) so I understood. I didn’t even keep the example because I wasn’t impressed. Probably necessary to do like you did and describe something more fully. I’m sorry you can’t post your photo either. I’ll have to check plugins that would allow you to do this.
And you know I totally agree with you about the growth of AI itself. While it does seem to be going too fast, it is more the concern that it is “at a speed that is outpacing our consciousness” than anything else. When technology is created without considering whether humanity can handle it mentally, emotionally or spiritually, there can definitely be challenges. But at this point, using it to serve us (like you using IT as inspiration) is a great way to go. As always, thanks for your thoughts. ~Kathy
Oh my gosh, this is amazing, terrifying, exciting, horrifying, and more. The future is here. You are so right about what shows up after you look at something or buy something. I bought a water filter online recently directly from the company and now ads for products from that company keep showing up everywhere on my computer. I’m not even on social media anymore, but it still seems like everything I do is public knowledge.
I did not know about the writing capabilities. So glad I retired before I had to deal with that with my students.
I did live off the grid in my younger back-to-the-land hippie days. I’m happy to have certain amenities and comforts now, and I appreciate the ease of having access to so much information, but it’s clear that we pay a price for that. I think that’s one of the reasons I appreciate my weekends at the cabin without cell or internet service.
I wonder if AI can help me sort out chapter 4 in my new book. I’m stuck there! Hmm….
Hi Galen! I agree it IS “amazing, terrifying, exciting, horrifying, and more!” I think as humans we tend to either think of it as either wonderful (remember watching the Jetson’s on TV?) or terrible (Bladerunner? The Terminator? or other dystopian movies?) But who knows? I do believe that we owe it to ourselves and each other to at least be paying attention and if possible add our unique voices of human perspective to the world as it evolves. But yes, from what I can tell AI can’t write your 4th Chapter just yet but it can HELP you come up with ideas and perspectives should you need/want it…. check it out! ~Kathy
Kathy, I experimented with AI while writing a blog post draft recently and found it quite fascinating, but also disturbing. I can certainly envision all sorts of pitfalls in the future of education and academia. But, some of the business applications will be (and already are) very productive. As for blogging, and writing in general, I can see using it as a resource, (like spell check and Grammarly) but I can’t see it replacing the writer, especially one that has an established voice.
Hi Suzanne. I completely agree that the writing AI programs are not where they can replace genuine writers–but they are advancing VERY fast. From what I researched they are basically not very good at gathering facts and exact data. It’s been said they just “make stories up” and claim all sorts of things to sound convincing. (sounds like a writer huh?) But they don’t fact check well at all and are limited to the text and information available to their online connections. As those connections and text expand and eventually include everything ever written available online–then we really have to watch out. But as an optimist I still hope that while it will require us all to adapt and adjust (doesn’t any change?) we will find a way through it all. And like you say, keeping your established voice will be critical. ~Kathy
WOW – what a thought-provoking post! Being a new blogger, my mood changed from discouraged to challenged as I read your article. Having taught college classes for several years, I can see where AI could write a better professional paper (smile). Ah…but it sounds like AI lacks the personal touch. This challenges me to be a more unique, creative, and maybe a little more unorthodox writer. Thanks for taking me to deeper thinking once again Kathy.
Hi Marian! Yes I think it is easy to get somewhat discouraged when faced with all the possibilities these changes will create. But at this point we really don’t know WHAT will unfold. Plus, I can’t help believe the being “a more unique, creative, and maybe a little more unorthodox writer” is a real key. Maybe AI will push us into that rather than attempting to just write something to generate more clickbait. I think in the beginning of my blog (12 years ago???) I was quite determined to “grow my readership” and spent way too much time looking at stats about who visited, where they came from and what I could do about generating more signups. Fortunately, as the years fell away I’ve just settled into enjoying the writing process and connecting with other people who are interested in similar topics and ideas. I’m not sure what your goals are just yet but I hope that you find exactly what you are looking for and a way to make that happen! Good luck to us all! ~Kathy
Wow! Thank you so much for this information. Many of us from older generations aren’t aware of the impact of AI.
Hi Mary! It’s really too soon to know how we all be impacted by AI but it’s really important to know that we will–one way or another. And like with all technology, I really believe that we owe it to ourselves to at least have an overview of what it is and how it is evolving so that we stay in the game. I don’t know about you but I plan to be around for a while and I want to do my best to be engaged with the world. AI can help in many ways but it also needs to be watched over! ~Kathy
I don’t really know what my blog goals are yet either (ha ha). I think it is more of a compulsion to write than anything. It has been a fun and creative outlet for retirement and that is enough for me right now. Although, I have really enjoyed the unexpected comradery of the blog community. Thanks for being part of it.
That’s win then Marian! As long as we have personally fulfilling reasons to write and share then I’m thinking we can’t lose. And thanks for being part of my community too!