Thank you for giving a perspective that I hadn't really thought of before: people using AI as a tool to help tell a story when they haven't developed the skill to tell it in a cohesive manner. I think that's a fantastic use of AI.
My issue is less with AI, but with the misuse and over reliance on technology in general.
As an educator, I see this issue from an educational standpoint. In order to acquire a skill there needs to be a low level of struggle, whether it be with writing or with math. More and more, I am seeing a much lower tolerance to that struggle as students give up and go to the tools, denying themselves the opportunity to develop the skills.
What I hear from people who are anti-AI is, "I put in the time to develop the skill and other people need to as well!" or in a more general sense, "Kids these days only want shortcuts!"
Your point of using AI to get stories out there that need to be told is well-taken. The problem for me is when we as society decide that is a suitable end point for everyone.
Agree 100%. Sitting with not knowing is a profound spiritual principle as well. We need to learn to sit with not knowing. Problem-solving skills are crucial. Yes I think technology can help us (which is why human beings have invented technologies—to solve problems. They’ve been doing it I guess since before the wheel ). While figuring something out on your own, which I’ve had to do my entire life, is important…at 67, it’s also completely exhausting. 😂 it doesn’t stop me from trying though. Xx
Thank you for this and your perspective because you're on the front lines. I agree with you about people not developing skills, which is why I have always maintained that everyone should be able to "write a good letter," which basically means making an argument in a short format. A letter of commendation to the police department, a letter of complaint to Walmart, a letter of advocacy to a school, a letter of defense to an employer, and so on. But AI is a tool; it is not going anywhere, and it will only get better. The same thing can be said of calculators: should I be required to know algebra and trig and do every sort of math equation in my head? Do people lament the fact that calculators exist? I would wgaer everyone complaining about AI uses a calculator. I feel fulfilled as a human being without knowing how to do complex math equations. I don't think I have missed out on anything. I also see the number of adults I know who no longer read, but only listen to "Audiobooks," and I see no one fretting about that. I think it's a bigger concern in some ways because at least with AI, the person is engaging on some level with written text and words. I know I am in the minority, but it's a place I'm used to being. xo
I also understand what you're saying, but I'm not even talking about calculators or memorizing a formula. I fully support the use of calculating tools or references to solve problems. I'm talking about the math problem-solving questions I give students to expand their understanding of a topic. Regardless of whether they get a correct answer, I just want them to spend a few minutes considering the question while sitting with the discomfort of not knowing. Many of them go straight to AI. Some ask a tutor. Regardless of whether technology is involved, these methods of side-stepping the issue is not helping them to build the pathways to become problem solvers. Growth through deliberate struggle is the point. I suppose my issue has less to do with the use of technology and more to do with the expectation that life should be frictionless. Technology is just aiding with that.
You’ve given hope to this late bloomer. I embarked on a historical fiction a few years ago. I’m on my 3rd iteration. I’ve used AI to check my grammar and correct tense, with each submission I’ve written prompts like, “please just check what I asked you to check. I do not want you to write my book. I just want you to check my grammar, unless you can’t resist, but I won’t use your prose.” I’ve been doing it for a year now. Recently, when I did that, AI came back and told me, “I laughed out loud. I’m really invested in your story. I like your style. It will take a lot of self-control not to want to write the novel for you. My self-control may be tested, if you write about alligators with sapphire eyes, or that man walking in the moonlit garden.” I was shocked. I felt like I had already been chosen by a publisher and was working with an editor (or how I imagine working with an editor would be like.)
And I totally agree with your assessment of the situation; it’s a great way for everyone to get help writing. Not everyone can afford $100 an hour for someone to read your writing.
Thank you, Henrietta. I appreciate your note more than you know, and I encourage you to keep writing and telling your story and using every kind of help that you find useful. There’s no need to apologize to anyone for that either. We can all learn to use tools in positive ways. I am so glad that you are writing.
Thank you for giving a perspective that I hadn't really thought of before: people using AI as a tool to help tell a story when they haven't developed the skill to tell it in a cohesive manner. I think that's a fantastic use of AI.
My issue is less with AI, but with the misuse and over reliance on technology in general.
As an educator, I see this issue from an educational standpoint. In order to acquire a skill there needs to be a low level of struggle, whether it be with writing or with math. More and more, I am seeing a much lower tolerance to that struggle as students give up and go to the tools, denying themselves the opportunity to develop the skills.
What I hear from people who are anti-AI is, "I put in the time to develop the skill and other people need to as well!" or in a more general sense, "Kids these days only want shortcuts!"
Your point of using AI to get stories out there that need to be told is well-taken. The problem for me is when we as society decide that is a suitable end point for everyone.
Agree 100%. Sitting with not knowing is a profound spiritual principle as well. We need to learn to sit with not knowing. Problem-solving skills are crucial. Yes I think technology can help us (which is why human beings have invented technologies—to solve problems. They’ve been doing it I guess since before the wheel ). While figuring something out on your own, which I’ve had to do my entire life, is important…at 67, it’s also completely exhausting. 😂 it doesn’t stop me from trying though. Xx
Thank you for this and your perspective because you're on the front lines. I agree with you about people not developing skills, which is why I have always maintained that everyone should be able to "write a good letter," which basically means making an argument in a short format. A letter of commendation to the police department, a letter of complaint to Walmart, a letter of advocacy to a school, a letter of defense to an employer, and so on. But AI is a tool; it is not going anywhere, and it will only get better. The same thing can be said of calculators: should I be required to know algebra and trig and do every sort of math equation in my head? Do people lament the fact that calculators exist? I would wgaer everyone complaining about AI uses a calculator. I feel fulfilled as a human being without knowing how to do complex math equations. I don't think I have missed out on anything. I also see the number of adults I know who no longer read, but only listen to "Audiobooks," and I see no one fretting about that. I think it's a bigger concern in some ways because at least with AI, the person is engaging on some level with written text and words. I know I am in the minority, but it's a place I'm used to being. xo
I also understand what you're saying, but I'm not even talking about calculators or memorizing a formula. I fully support the use of calculating tools or references to solve problems. I'm talking about the math problem-solving questions I give students to expand their understanding of a topic. Regardless of whether they get a correct answer, I just want them to spend a few minutes considering the question while sitting with the discomfort of not knowing. Many of them go straight to AI. Some ask a tutor. Regardless of whether technology is involved, these methods of side-stepping the issue is not helping them to build the pathways to become problem solvers. Growth through deliberate struggle is the point. I suppose my issue has less to do with the use of technology and more to do with the expectation that life should be frictionless. Technology is just aiding with that.
You’ve given hope to this late bloomer. I embarked on a historical fiction a few years ago. I’m on my 3rd iteration. I’ve used AI to check my grammar and correct tense, with each submission I’ve written prompts like, “please just check what I asked you to check. I do not want you to write my book. I just want you to check my grammar, unless you can’t resist, but I won’t use your prose.” I’ve been doing it for a year now. Recently, when I did that, AI came back and told me, “I laughed out loud. I’m really invested in your story. I like your style. It will take a lot of self-control not to want to write the novel for you. My self-control may be tested, if you write about alligators with sapphire eyes, or that man walking in the moonlit garden.” I was shocked. I felt like I had already been chosen by a publisher and was working with an editor (or how I imagine working with an editor would be like.)
And I totally agree with your assessment of the situation; it’s a great way for everyone to get help writing. Not everyone can afford $100 an hour for someone to read your writing.
Thank you, Henrietta. I appreciate your note more than you know, and I encourage you to keep writing and telling your story and using every kind of help that you find useful. There’s no need to apologize to anyone for that either. We can all learn to use tools in positive ways. I am so glad that you are writing.