We are living in a new age. It’s often been said that when a new technology comes on the market, the window shifts - the old ways of doing things transform, and we find ourselves in a new world. Sometimes, this can be overblown, with people mistaking product novelty for real-scale societal transformation. Social media transformed how we communicated, but fundamentally, we didn’t change. We knew we were still in charge.
Since 2022, AI’s breakneck evolution is leading us to reassess this. If we are set to hit artificial general intelligence in the next half-decade, how will it feel to no longer be the smartest form of intelligence in existence? It’s a question many white-collar workers are grappling with.
Many news publications have been quick to jump on Generative AI train, using the transformative technology to change how they do business. Cut down labour costs, boost worker efficency, and examine new routes for success. Used responsibly, AI is this area can be a force for good. Despite this, writers must consider one key drawback of this technological change - we are outsourcing our talents to a machine.
If we are giving the majority of our daily tasks to AI, where does this leave us the opportunity to grow our abilities? Not writing on a day-to-day basis can leave a big gaping hole in our ability to think. Those who journal on a day-to-day will understand - writing is thinking. Being able to put your words and thoughts down on paper or document offers you the opportunity to express your thoughts in a healthy way, consider what is going on in your mind and tighten up your mental capacities. We are thinking creatures, and writing is a good avenue for our thinking.
In a coming age of abundance and automation, don’t forget to keep yourself human. Writing is thinking, and thinking is a central tenet of what makes us human.