Dictation By Any Other Name: AI and The Evolution of Assistance

 

 

 August 25, 2023

by Steven Henderson & Claude 2

The rapid rise of AI is transforming how content is produced, prompting difficult conversations around authorship and quality. As creators, we must navigate this complex landscape with empathy.

I recently faced skepticism about my writing when I shared articles created with the assistance of AI tools. One reader called the posts "incomprehensible" and "poorly written," assuming it was bot-generated. Though untrue, this reaction revealed the bias we must overcome.

For creators like myself who use AI as a collaborative tool, the benefits are immense. The AI provides knowledge, ideation and eloquence we lack alone, much like an assistant taking dictation. Yet some see this as delegating creativity itself to the machine.

We cannot blame critics for this assumption. The lines between man and machine blur as AI's capabilities advance. And we naturally cling to romantic notions of the lone genius scribbling masterpieces.

However, executives have utilized secretaries to translate their ideas into business letters and speeches for decades without controversy. Creators have worked hand in hand with editors and ghostwriters to hone their voice. AI collaboration is simply the latest evolution in this assistance. The core ideas still derive from the human source.

While we must patiently correct misconceptions, the onus is also on AI creators to showcase the humanity in our process. We must pull back the curtain and reveal how we direct the technology creatively, just as secretaries are directed. Showing our readers the journey humanizes how AI augments our limitations.

This transparency is mandatory as we traverse the uncharted landscape where man and machine mingle minds. We must demonstrate AI's role assisting our creativity, not subsisting it. Our readers need reassurance that human heartbeats still pulse through machine-aided writing.

The path ahead requires empathy on all sides. As creators, we must expect unease and skepticism from those clinging to old paradigms. But lead with compassion. The critics may resist progress but likely act from valid fear of the unknown. Their concerns deserve understanding, not condemnation.

This is an opportunity that calls for our humanity. Let us show grace and patience, taking time to illuminate AI's collaborative role. And when passions inflame, remain level-headed - addressing anger with empathy rather than escalation.

The motives are purer than all involved likely realize. The critics aim to preserve art's sanctity. The creators wish to elevate human expression. At the core lies a shared desire for truth and beauty. We must uncover this common ground.

With care, creativity and humanity, we can bridge this gap. The destination is worth the discomfort of growth. For integrating AI's gifts without losing our soul may unlock wonders beyond what man or machine could manifest alone. We must make this extraordinary journey together.