AI: intelligence or interference

George Orwell in his novel, ‘1984’ quipped - Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past.

Many critics of Orwell were very doubtful about his vision of 1984. I disagree. While the timeline may be out, we are living it now.

Microsoft/Google introduced Copilot to think for us. Am I allowed to think for myself without interference? Auto correct can be annoying enough.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is very accessible. It is potentially good for simple tasks.

The jury should be out when it comes to any detrimental impact on youth employment – the kids who start their career by conducting simple tasks for their employers. Personally, I started my employment, processing employees leave applications and was happy to be in the workforce.

I participate in several writer/author online forums and outside the numerous scammers, there are genuine offers to help others.

The AI subject pops up constantly. Some declare that AI is good to assist with grammar and spelling. Others have suggested that they use Microsoft Word or whatever software a person is using, to achieve this.

It is when some suggest using AI to write their novel, the line is crossed forever. Majority of participants take umbrage, stating these individuals are not writers at all. Those criticisms are fair enough.

If one loses their creativity, the plot, the author spelling, and grammar editing, what is left? I always recommend that the author does the initial edits and then engages a professional editor to complete the job. That is advice I give myself, knowing that I can be too close to my own work and potentially, gloss over the same mistakes that I, myself have made.

Creativity belongs to the writer and no one else. Ideally, it is his or her words – their story.

The other option is to fully brief a ghostwriter. That way, the writer maintains their creativity and vision for the storyline.

Orwell, also said, ‘If you want a picture of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human face – for ever.’ 

AI will suit many. I personally, would not like to see future computer technology growing at the cost of employment opportunities and genuine creativity.