WRITERS, DEFINED

As artificial intelligence has powerfully entered many spaces where writers exist, it’s important to remember that AI will never be able to do what writers can do. It can assist and it can challenge us to think differently, but the need for writers will never disappear.

Real writers are:

Thinkers. Like William Zinsser said in his book, “Writing to Learn,” writing is a process of learning and thinking, which AI can try to do but ultimately cannot. Helpful thinkers are needed across all parts of society.

Researchers. No amount of technology will ever replace research that ultimately makes our world a better place to live.

Networkers. Software cannot take a pulse of a community or group of people the way that journalists, public relations professionals, communications specialists and other networkers can.

Messengers. Anyone with a message to craft and share — business people, politicians, lawyers, historians, humanitarians, editors, critics and others — can rely upon AI. But they will need relationship skills and critical thinking skills to progress.

Teachers. It’s admirable how teachers in high schools, colleges and universities are inspiring generations to learn and use real writing skills.

Artists. Without poets, novelists, playwrights, movie and TV script writers, comedians and many other such artists, our world would not get to enjoy the art that feeds our souls.

Healers. Many healers (counselors, psychologists, body workers, etc.) are also writers. Engaging in the process of writing can also be healing.

Human beings. Humans need other humans. We are transformed by technology, in good ways and bad. But we will never stop needing and relying on each other as people.

At a time in the United States when literacy is at a crisis level, the media is collapsing and becoming monopolized, libraries are also in crisis and misinformation has crippled democracy, it’s important to remember that writers are needed now more than ever — regardless of what AI brings, positive and negative.