AI Predicted to End Writing, Says Scientist
According to computer expert Paul Graham, technology will erode our fundamental skills over the next two decades, resulting in a decline in people's ability to write. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
In a prediction made by computer expert Paul Graham, he foresees that in about 20 years, few individuals will possess the ability to write.
Graham, a computer scientist and author, cautions that the increasing reliance on artificial intelligence for writing tasks in workplaces and educational institutions will lead to a significant decline in writing skills among the population.
This trend could pose a challenge, as Graham emphasizes the connection between writing and clear thinking. He states, “The reason so many people have trouble writing is that it’s fundamentally difficult. To write well, you have to think clearly, and thinking clearly is hard,” in an essay he published on his website last week.
Advancements in technology mean that writing can now be offloaded to AI, diminishing the necessity for individuals to master the skill or seek assistance, even to the extent of plagiarizing, according to the English-American scientist.
While expressing his thoughts on the matter, Graham admitted, “I’m usually reluctant to make predictions about technology, but I feel fairly confident about this one: in a couple decades there won’t be many people who can write.”
He acknowledged that skill obsolescence is a natural consequence of technological progress, citing that “there aren’t many blacksmiths left, and it doesn’t seem to be a problem.” However, he argues that widespread inability to write would be detrimental.
“A world divided into writes and write-nots is more dangerous than it sounds. It will be a world of thinks and think-nots,” Graham contends, highlighting the potential societal implications of this skill gap.
He noted that this scenario wouldn’t be entirely new, comparing it to preindustrial times when “most people’s jobs made them strong.” Today, he suggested, strength is a choice—“So there are still strong people, but only those who choose to be.” He believes writing will follow a similar path, indicating, “There will still be smart people, but only those who choose to be.”
Recent survey data from the Digital Education Council shows that 86% of students are using AI in their academic pursuits. The study reveals that 28% of these students utilize technology to paraphrase documents, while 24% rely on AI to generate initial drafts.
Max Fischer for TROIB News
Graham, a computer scientist and author, cautions that the increasing reliance on artificial intelligence for writing tasks in workplaces and educational institutions will lead to a significant decline in writing skills among the population.
This trend could pose a challenge, as Graham emphasizes the connection between writing and clear thinking. He states, “The reason so many people have trouble writing is that it’s fundamentally difficult. To write well, you have to think clearly, and thinking clearly is hard,” in an essay he published on his website last week.
Advancements in technology mean that writing can now be offloaded to AI, diminishing the necessity for individuals to master the skill or seek assistance, even to the extent of plagiarizing, according to the English-American scientist.
While expressing his thoughts on the matter, Graham admitted, “I’m usually reluctant to make predictions about technology, but I feel fairly confident about this one: in a couple decades there won’t be many people who can write.”
He acknowledged that skill obsolescence is a natural consequence of technological progress, citing that “there aren’t many blacksmiths left, and it doesn’t seem to be a problem.” However, he argues that widespread inability to write would be detrimental.
“A world divided into writes and write-nots is more dangerous than it sounds. It will be a world of thinks and think-nots,” Graham contends, highlighting the potential societal implications of this skill gap.
He noted that this scenario wouldn’t be entirely new, comparing it to preindustrial times when “most people’s jobs made them strong.” Today, he suggested, strength is a choice—“So there are still strong people, but only those who choose to be.” He believes writing will follow a similar path, indicating, “There will still be smart people, but only those who choose to be.”
Recent survey data from the Digital Education Council shows that 86% of students are using AI in their academic pursuits. The study reveals that 28% of these students utilize technology to paraphrase documents, while 24% rely on AI to generate initial drafts.
Max Fischer for TROIB News
