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With the rise of generative AI writing tools, which have shown proficiency in writing letters, essays, songs and even novels, some believe the technology will assist content creators in making better work. However, some Chicago writers have no intention of using the tools.
That includes Zach Price, 25. He doesn’t write professionally but he likes to journal every night before bed. He’s been doing it since he was in grade school. While he’s impressed by the new AI writing tools, he doesn’t see a need for it in his own practice.
“I write for a few reasons but mainly out of self-discovery,” he said. “I had a teacher tell me once that we could learn more about ourselves just through writing constantly over time and I’ve found that to be accurate. So I think AI tech is cool but I just don’t see why I’d need to incorporate it in what I’m doing.”
Deanna, 26, feels the same way. She keeps a journal too but uses it as she reads her Bible and prays. She likes the feeling of a quiet morning, a coffee table and a pen in her hand.
“I really don’t see how AI could help me with that,” she said, chuckling. “It’s a really personal thing for me and I don’t even like to type when I do my daily devotional.”
Chris Cottle, 23, an avid anime fan who wants to make his own comic book one day, writes short stories to hone his storytelling skills. When he found out about the AI tools, he got an idea.
“I knew I wanted to write a story where I wrote the overall piece but I’d have AI write the dialogue for a particular character,” he said. “That would be dope.”
He hasn’t experimented with that yet but beyond that, he doesn’t see himself using the tool.
“I like the grind of coming up with something and just figuring it out,” he said.
Noah Johnson (he/him/his) is a Chicago-based journalist. Follow him on Twitter: @noahwritestoo.
Edited by NaTyshca Pickett