Scientist Claims AI Will Create a Divide Between 'Thinks and Think-nots'
In just a few decades, the rapid advancement of technology is expected to impact our foundational skills, as noted by computer expert Paul Graham. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
According to computer expert Paul Graham, writing ability may significantly decline over the next 20 years due to the increasing use of artificial intelligence in both workplaces and educational settings.
Graham, a seasoned investor and the cofounder of Y Combinator, a prominent startup accelerator and venture capital firm, argues that this trend poses a serious issue, as writing is inherently linked to critical thinking. He expressed this concern in an essay published on his website recently.
"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," he stated.
With advancements in technology, people are now able to delegate their writing tasks to AI. As a result, there’s less incentive to master writing skills, hire writers, or even resort to plagiarism, according to Graham.
“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 remarked.
He acknowledged that as technologies evolve, certain skills tend to fade away. "There aren’t many blacksmiths left, and it doesn’t seem to be a problem," he acknowledged. However, Graham is concerned that widespread inability to write is 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,” he asserted.
Graham pointed out that this dynamic isn’t unprecedented; he referred to preindustrial societies where “most people’s jobs made them strong.” Nowadays, he noted, “if you want to be strong, you work out. So there are still strong people, but only those who choose to be.” He believes writing will follow a similar trajectory: “There will still be smart people, but only those who choose to be.”
A recent survey conducted by the Digital Education Council revealed that approximately 86% of students use AI in their academic work. The study indicated that 28% of these students depend on technology for paraphrasing documents, while 24% utilize AI to help generate initial drafts.
Alejandro Jose Martinez for TROIB News
Graham, a seasoned investor and the cofounder of Y Combinator, a prominent startup accelerator and venture capital firm, argues that this trend poses a serious issue, as writing is inherently linked to critical thinking. He expressed this concern in an essay published on his website recently.
"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," he stated.
With advancements in technology, people are now able to delegate their writing tasks to AI. As a result, there’s less incentive to master writing skills, hire writers, or even resort to plagiarism, according to Graham.
“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 remarked.
He acknowledged that as technologies evolve, certain skills tend to fade away. "There aren’t many blacksmiths left, and it doesn’t seem to be a problem," he acknowledged. However, Graham is concerned that widespread inability to write is 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,” he asserted.
Graham pointed out that this dynamic isn’t unprecedented; he referred to preindustrial societies where “most people’s jobs made them strong.” Nowadays, he noted, “if you want to be strong, you work out. So there are still strong people, but only those who choose to be.” He believes writing will follow a similar trajectory: “There will still be smart people, but only those who choose to be.”
A recent survey conducted by the Digital Education Council revealed that approximately 86% of students use AI in their academic work. The study indicated that 28% of these students depend on technology for paraphrasing documents, while 24% utilize AI to help generate initial drafts.
Alejandro Jose Martinez for TROIB News
