The Financial Impact on Writers

Interestingly, the financial implications for writers seem to be a taboo subject in these discussions. Many topics are broached, yet this one is often overlooked. It’s almost as if acknowledging this reality could bring bad luck, or perhaps some view writing as a sacred pursuit, deeming it inappropriate to discuss its monetary aspect.

It's essential to recognize that writers serve readers; without an audience, their work loses significance. As someone who identifies more as a reader than a writer, I prioritize the quality and relevance of the content over whether it originates from a human or a machine. What matters most is that the writing is clear, accurate, and either engaging or informative.

Can AI Compete with Human Writers?

In an article titled “ChatGPT Tells Fibs About Me,” Tony Lawrence shares his experiences with inaccuracies in ChatGPT’s data.

The title itself encapsulates the issue: ChatGPT can sometimes provide incorrect information. But how does this differ from the numerous writers online who also misstate facts? I suspect that platforms catering to writers will largely resist AI-generated content. Their reluctance stems from the fear that if they accept AI-generated work, it could undermine the value of their paying members. This would be particularly disheartening for those aspiring to write professionally.

Ultimately, I believe that ChatGPT poses a legitimate threat to the livelihoods of writers, especially those who may not excel at their craft. There’s no reason for companies in the publishing or advertising sectors to shy away from using AI tools like ChatGPT.

The Fallacy of Hard Work in Writing

The notion that technology should not replace effort made me chuckle. For over a century, technology has been streamlining labor. We no longer manually write letters; we drive cars instead of walking, and we use washing machines instead of scrubbing clothes by hand. The idea that hard work is inherently valuable is flawed—it's merely a means of survival. If technology offers a more efficient way to achieve our goals, why resist?

Some argue that AI lacks the effort that human writers invest in their work. However, when I read, I’m not concerned about the writer's struggle. Take David Baldacci, who completed a bestseller in just three weeks while in a cab; does that diminish the value of his work compared to someone who labored for a decade?

Reevaluating Artistic Merit

I believe that traditional views on 'good literature' have misled generations. In my opinion, what we consider 'good writing' often lacks real substance. The low reading rates post-school reflect this issue. Good writing should captivate the reader, not dwell on the writer's emotional turmoil.

Many writers express profound feelings, yet as I recently observed on a Reddit thread, an aspiring writer lamented that her work was deemed 'too clever for ordinary readers.' This perspective is partly shaped by writing instructors who aren't published authors themselves, suggesting that readers should decipher the meaning on their own. If a reader cannot grasp the content, they will likely stop reading—at least I do.

Is Writing Truly an Art Form?

To me, writing is not an art. While creative writing demands imagination, it primarily engages intellectual effort. I doubt AI will diminish artistic merit in writing.

Conversely, will AI affect artistic merit in visual arts? I once debated the quality of modern art at Tate Modern and was told that art transcends beauty, focusing instead on meaning. This viewpoint emerged as a response to photography's rise, which made traditional representations less significant. Artists began to argue that art must convey meaning to survive in a changing landscape.

While I value the beauty in art, I believe that its merit lies in its aesthetic appeal. Whether the beauty originates from a human hand or a camera lens does not alter its quality.

The Real Risks Associated with ChatGPT

There are certainly risks linked to ChatGPT, primarily related to misinformation and inaccuracies—issues that plague many uninformed individuals today. AI gathers data from the web, and as Anthony Lawrence illustrated, ChatGPT is not infallible.

As for my job security, I’ve already faced challenges due to unethical practices like shadow banning, so I’m not overly concerned. It seems likely that in the coming years, fewer individuals will aspire to become writers, marking another decline in viable career paths.

Bring on Universal Basic Income.