Ever see one of those bell curve charts transformed into a line going straight up? Usually, a fad comes, sticks around a while, and then fades with the passing decade. AI (artificial intelligence) is like a tsunami. Even now, not widely understood, it has the power to do more than raise eyebrows everywhere.
Last month, I uploaded a new book on Amazon, and Amazon wanted to know if I used AI. Check the box.
So this month's question from the very helpful online writing community, Insecure Writers' Support Group, is timely: The topic of AI writing has been heavily debated across the world. According to various sources, generative AI will assist writers, not replace them. What are your thoughts?
Assist writers, not replace them? One of my first jobs, many decades ago as a pool typist, came with a rumored computer app. Keyboard strokes were counted and reported to management. Today, DNA samples and cell phone pings are routinely used to track down criminals. This does raise privacy issues, but in the interest of the greater safety of the public . . . . So, efficiency? privacy? Saving money? Do I trust technology to do what is "right"?
So, when ChatGPT came along, I wanted to play with it. As a writer. I posted prompts for titles, character development, outlines for new stories, and was shocked by what happened. What took me hours, days, weeks, and months, churned out on my computer screen in seconds.
Was it any good? Simply put: No. But the bones were there, and with editing . . . it could be. It just felt wrong. Writing, for me, is deeply personal. I had the feeling that I could use ChatGPT to increase my productivity. What routinely takes me about 3 years, could take under a year, if I used this technology. Who would know? Amazon could ask, but truly, who would know? The answer is I would know. So, sorry, folks, ChatGPT is not for me.
Do I believe generative AI will assist writers and not replace them? Nope. Given that tension between the bottom line for individuals and corporations to earn more money, and government inability to build policies that could protect us, and that drive to create the new, as well as technology's ability to improve itself, I think we're in deep do-do.
My husband likes to tell a story about how one of these new computers was taught to play chess. Within seconds, it played hundreds of games, capable of beating a chess master. And the computer continued learning. This ability to 'self teach' does not bode well for us mere humans. Even Elon Musk is raising concerns about "uncontrollable" artificial intelligence, and Bill Gates has said we should "cautiously embrace" AI.
Now I'm wondering what others will say about this pretty complex issue that will change the lives of our children beyond our imagination. And just in case you're interested in reading one of my books (historical fiction, art crime mysteries, or psychological thriller), each one taking about three years to write, check out my BOOK PAGE!
Why not visit the HOME PAGE of IWSG to find out and stop by the awesome co-hosts for the October 4 posting to say THANK YOU to: Natalie Aguirre, Kim Lajevardi, Debs Carey, Gwen Gardner, Patricia Josephine, and Rebecca Douglass!
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time - and return comments. This group is all about connecting!
I use AI for my job, and it saves me time. I remember when we first started using computers at my law office. It was such a time-saver not to hand-draft everthing. I think this is a good tool for certain jobs but won't replace humans. It can't write a good book. It doesn't know how to be creative. But I might use it to get the bare bones of an outline or blurb written.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your positive spin on using AI. This month's IWSG question may have me rethinking how to use AI . . . though, it doesn't know how to be creative . . . yet! Let's hope for a good outcome for us all.
DeleteThere are concerns. It's just not there yet to replace us.
ReplyDeleteIt's the 'not yet' that concerns me! Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteI am torn between feeling it could be a useful tool in all sorts of ways... and the cautionary tale that has sent the screenwriters out on strike. Those who make the most money from creative work (hint: not the creatives) may be all too eager to embrace it, even if the quality isn't there.
ReplyDeleteI agree and probably wouldn't worry IF writing were the only area being affected by AI. Thank you for reading and commenting.
DeleteUncontrollable artificial intelligence. Potentially our worst SciFi nightmare coming true. And sadly, I am one who believes that if we can imagine something ultimately it can be made real...
ReplyDeleteDay by day, we seem to be surviving through nightmarish projections (global warming, political unrest, rising violent crime), but put AI in charge? Ouch. Actually, more likely, what is SciFi today will become reality tomorrow, so I agree with you. Thank you for commenting.
DeleteFrankly, I see it as not doing your own work, your own due diligence. I am against it! Where is the Joy in that sort of writing?
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you.
DeleteSadly, even though I agree, the technology changes will keep coming! I don't really believe that government guidelines will stop our lives from being irrevocably changed.
DeleteYes, AI, can search and list; copy and paste. But it can't think and feel. It worries me too, Beth. All best to you! https://www.victoriamarielees.com/
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting and commenting! Actually, as a long-time fan of science fiction, I must ask how do we know that AI won't be able to think and feel . . . eventually? Sentience has been hotly debated. All I can say about the future is I don't know.
DeleteI've tested it but found it's struggled with the English language--like it's regurgitating words it was fed without understanding the nuances. I don't think it's quite there yet.
ReplyDeleteI'm Gwen, co-hosting this month for the IWSG.
Thank you, Gwen, for co-hosting IWSG and for visiting -- and commenting! I agree wholeheartedly with you. It's not quite there for this generation, but what about our kids and grandkids?
DeleteIn the conversations I've had with other writers, the concern isn't that the AI writing will be as good as a human writer, but that the output will be "good enough" to justify replacing a person with a chatbot. This isn't a race to the bottom so much as drowning the good in an ocean of the mediocre.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully said! Ah, some would also say that indie writers are 'drowning the good in an ocean of the mediocre'! But I worry more about IA . . . at least for the next generations of writers.
Delete"Drowning the good in the ocean of mediocre." BRILLIANT and well said John!
ReplyDeleteSandy, you are amazing!
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