In the realm of academia, where the art of writing is both a craft and a discipline, the emergence of AI as a writing tool has sparked a debate that is both fascinating and deeply concerning. As an expert in the field, I find myself reflecting on the impact of AI on the writing process, particularly in the context of my own teaching experience at MIT. The story I share here is not just about the use of AI in writing; it's about the very essence of creativity, the human connection to language, and the importance of friction in the creative process.
The AI-Writing Paradox
In my classroom, I witnessed a profound moment when a student confessed that she had used AI to write her story. What made this revelation particularly striking was the student's own admission that she loved writing but couldn't resist the allure of AI assistance. This is not an isolated incident; it's a symptom of a broader cultural shift. AI writing tools, with their promise of perfection and ease, have become a shortcut for many, bypassing the hard work and struggle that is inherent in the creative process. This is not to say that AI is inherently bad; it's the way it's being used that raises concerns.
The issue lies in the fact that AI writing, while seemingly perfect, is actually dead perfection. It's a Frankensteinian amalgam of MFA-workshopped writing, devoid of the human touch and the struggles that make writing so compelling. AI writing is a simulacrum, a pattern recognition machine that produces text without the depth and authenticity that comes from human experience. This is what Tennyson described as 'dead perfection', a void that insightful readers can sense even if they can't articulate it.
The Human Connection to Language
What makes writing so powerful is the human connection to language. It's the struggle to convey thoughts and feelings, the process of translating abstraction into concrete words. This is what many writers refer to as the communication of feelings and ideas. When we criticize a writer's work, we're not just critiquing their aesthetic choices; we're also critiquing their ability to communicate. This is a personal and intimate act, one that requires a boldness of spirit and a close reading of the text.
In my own teaching, I've always emphasized the importance of peer review and honest feedback. It's through this process that writers learn and grow. However, when AI is introduced into the mix, it changes the dynamic. AI writing, while seemingly polished, lacks the human element that makes writing so compelling. It's a cold, impersonal process, devoid of the struggles and triumphs that make writing such a powerful form of expression.
The Danger of AI in Education
The danger of AI in education is not that it will replace writers or render the workshop obsolete. It's that students are becoming accustomed to bypassing the friction that once revealed their process. When AI is used to write, the workshop becomes a mere formality, a process of AI slop being critiqued by AI. This weakens the muscles needed to wrestle with writing, eroding the very essence of the creative process.
The solution, in my opinion, is to bring back friction. We need to emphasize the importance of the human connection to language, the struggles and triumphs that make writing so powerful. We need to encourage students to embrace the process, to see the value in the transformation that occurs during the making of a piece of writing. This is not about shaming or prohibiting the use of AI; it's about fostering a deeper understanding of the creative process and the importance of human connection to language.
The Way Forward
In my syllabus, I've made it clear that I don't want students using AI to write their work. I want their words, their thinking, and their voice. I want to see what happens when someone tries to move through language without an intermediary finishing the thought. This is a pedagogical position, not a moral or technical one. It's about creating a sanctuary for authorship, a place where everything on the page and not yet on the page belongs to an actual person.
In conclusion, the use of AI in writing is a complex issue that requires careful consideration. While AI has the potential to enhance the creative process, it's the way it's being used that raises concerns. As educators, we have a responsibility to foster a deeper understanding of the creative process and the importance of human connection to language. By bringing back friction and emphasizing the value of the human connection to language, we can ensure that writing remains a powerful and transformative form of expression.
