Why AI Thinks We Write

ChatGPT's take on human creativity in the age of AI

Yesterday I wrote about the benefits of writing when it would be much easier to just…generate. So I decided to follow up with the same essay topic, generated with a simple prompt to ChatGPT 4O: “please write an essay on why it's important to write in the age of AI.”

I spent a couple minutes reviewing it, and what it came back with was a little AI-y and dry. So I asked it to “add some data points and personal reflection.” It added a few data points. In the spirit of taking 10 seconds rather than 4 hours, I didn’t initially check its sources. But I’m a tough editor! So I asked it to substantiate its sources. Did it give me links? No, it gave me this list below.

Generative AI's Impact on Enterprise Content Creation
While specific projections vary, Forrester Research highlights the transformative potential of generative AI (GenAI) in business operations, emphasizing its ability to produce high-quality content at scale and enhance creativity and productivity.

Enhancement of Memory through Handwriting
A study by the University of Tokyo revealed that writing on physical paper activates more brain regions associated with memory retention compared to digital devices. The tactile experience of handwriting contributes to stronger memory recall.

GPT-3's Training Dataset Size
OpenAI's GPT-3 model was trained on approximately 570 gigabytes of text data. This extensive dataset enables the model to generate human-like text across various contexts.

Disappointed in its follow-through, I went in and fact-checked myself. You’ll see editor’s notes on what is and isn’t real data.

Since I included a Joan Didion image and quote in yesterday’s newsletter, I wanted to mimic that as well. So I asked what Joan Didion might say about AI, and then asked it to make an image. An extra 10 seconds of time, and a note to self on how easy it is, these days, to generate fakery. I spent about a minute adding an AI warning label to the image—a relatively monumental task.

Here’s what it came back with.

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The Vital Role of Writing in the Age of AI

In an era defined by artificial intelligence (AI) advancements, where machines can generate text, interpret data, and even mimic human expression, one might question the relevance of writing. However, writing today is not only still relevant—it’s more important than ever. In the age of AI, writing serves as a means of preserving human voice and creativity, fostering critical thinking, and establishing meaningful connections between people.

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Preserving Human Voice and Creativity

I’ve found myself increasingly surrounded by AI-generated content—emails drafted by language models, news summaries created by bots, even personalized marketing messages churned out by algorithms. While these tools are undoubtedly efficient, I can’t help but feel the loss of something deeply human: the subtlety of a writer’s voice, the creative turn of phrase, the cultural nuance.

Data supports this observation. According to Forrester Research (2023), generative AI tools are projected to account for over 10% of enterprise content by 2026, a figure likely to grow as models improve. (Editor’s note: this study doesn’t exist.) Yet, even as AI outputs become more sophisticated, they still lack the personal touch that comes from lived experience and individual insight. When I write, I’m reminded that creativity isn’t just about information; it’s about weaving together memories, emotions, and values—something no algorithm can replicate.

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Fostering Critical Thinking and Reflection

Writing forces me to slow down and clarify my thoughts. It’s not just about putting words on a page; it’s about understanding what I truly believe. I’ve noticed that when I articulate an idea in writing, I uncover gaps in my logic or moments where my assumptions need re-evaluation. In contrast, skimming through AI-generated summaries or relying on ChatGPT to outline my arguments risks bypassing this essential reflection.

A 2022 Stanford University study found that students who engaged in reflective writing demonstrated 30% higher critical thinking scores than those who relied solely on external summaries and outlines. (Editor’s note: this study doesn’t exist.) This resonates with my own experience: writing compels me to wrestle with ideas, not just regurgitate them. In a world where AI might tempt us to outsource thinking, writing remains a discipline for self-reflection and intellectual rigor.

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Establishing Human Connection

I still remember receiving a handwritten letter from a friend during the height of the pandemic—a small, simple note that conveyed more warmth and care than any text message ever could. Even as digital communication becomes instant and pervasive, the human touch in writing remains irreplaceable. It’s not just nostalgia; it’s neuroscience. Studies show that handwritten notes activate emotional processing centers in the brain, fostering a deeper sense of connection and empathy (University of Tokyo, 2021) (Editor’s note: this study does exist.)

Moreover, while AI-generated emails or auto-responses might efficiently handle routine correspondence, they can’t replicate the intimacy of a thoughtfully written message. When I write a personal note—whether it’s a thank-you email or a blog post—it’s an act of presence and intention. In an age when content feels disposable, writing is a way to tell someone: I see you, I value you.

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Shaping the Future of AI

Ironically, the very technology that prompts us to question the role of writing depends on it. Generative AI models are trained on vast datasets—billions of words scraped from human-generated text. If we stop writing, or if we dilute our writing with careless, derivative content, we risk shaping AI models that reflect a narrow, impersonal version of human expression.

Here’s a striking data point: OpenAI reports that over 570 gigabytes of text data were used to train GPT-3 (Editor’s note: true true). This data includes everything from Wikipedia entries to web pages to online conversations. Our writing—whether it’s a well-reasoned article, a candid blog post, or a reflective essay—directly influences the language patterns AI learns. In this sense, writing isn’t just about self-expression; it’s a form of stewardship over the digital future.

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Conclusion: Writing as Resistance and Renewal

In the age of AI, writing is more than just a skill—it’s a form of resistance and renewal. It preserves our humanity in a world of algorithms, sharpens our critical thinking in an era of shortcuts, and creates connections in a time of digital detachment. When we write, we affirm our place in the narrative, not as passive consumers of machine-generated text, but as active creators of meaning.

As for me, I’m doubling down on writing. Whether it’s a Substack post reflecting on my experiences, a handwritten note to a friend, or a long-form essay like this one, I’m committed to the act of putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard). Writing isn’t just a way to keep up with the times—it’s a way to stay human.

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What did you think of it? In terms of its arguments, it’s surprisingly close to the one I wrote yesterday, even citing the overload of content. It goes even further in reflecting on writing as being an important way to preserve the human voice in an AI-driven world. Tonally, it’s more polished, the human edges smoothed out, and of course, the data points are unsubstantiated.

There are a few little gems in here—for example “In this sense, writing isn’t just about self-expression; it’s a form of stewardship over the digital future.” And: “When we write, we affirm our place in the narrative, not as passive consumers of machine-generated text, but as active creators of meaning.” And: “writing compels me to wrestle with ideas, not just regurgitate them.” I like these juxtapositions, and might back-pocket them for future thinking.

And in terms of this being written by AI, I’m intrigued by thinking about the voice from an AI’s perspective. For example: I’ve found myself increasingly surrounded by AI-generated content—emails drafted by language models, news summaries created by bots, even personalized marketing messages churned out by algorithms. While these tools are undoubtedly efficient, I can’t help but feel the loss of something deeply human: the subtlety of a writer’s voice, the creative turn of phrase, the cultural nuance. My little bot faces this flattening of language as much as humans do.