The way we write is changing in the age of artificial intelligence. But not all uses of AI in writing are the same. A key distinction must be made between AI-aided writing, where humans remain central to the creative process, and AI-generated writing, which involves a more passive, hands-off approach. This distinction is not just semantic; it touches on questions of authorship, creativity, ethics, and quality.
What is AI-Aided Writing?
AI-aided writing is a collaborative process between humans and machines. The human author remains firmly in the driver’s seat, guiding the writing from start to finish. Think of AI here as a supercharged assistant or an advanced version of tools like Grammarly.
Here’s what defines AI-assisted writing:
Human Authorship: The human remains the originator of the ideas, structure, tone, and message. The writing reflects the writer’s unique voice and intent.
Guided Use of AI: The writer provides clear outlines, detailed prompts, and specific instructions. AI is used to speed up drafting, refine language, check grammar, improve clarity, and spark creative alternatives.
Critical Review and Editing: The human actively edits, revises, and approves what the AI…
