Will ChatGPT Replace Writers?

Will ChatGPT, or more importantly, will rapidly developing Artificial Intelligence (AI) replace writers? 

I’ve been wondering about this since 2018, when I first read about AI in books like Superintelligence, Homo Deus, and Future of the Mind. 

I was fascinated by what AI could do and its implications for humanity. I’d thought it would eventually replace all professionals and eventually, even the human race.

And ChatGPT was the first time we saw AI in an accessible, creative, and user-friendly way. 

As a writer, it was scary…to say the least. 

So, will ChatGPT replace all writers?

No. 

Will it replace most of them?

Yes. 

Writers working on top-of-funnel, informational content? Gone. Because ChatGPT is better at documenting processes and outlining step-by-step guides than most humans. And it can complete these tasks in a fraction of the time. 

It's not wise to reject the advantages offered by AI: speed, inspiration and examples.

Every single time I’ve seen ChatGPT failing miserably, it’s because of a poorly executed prompt. 

Writers repurposing content into different formats? No longer needed because ChatGPT can do it with a flick of the wrist. 

But this is not a dismal post about how writers are doomed with the rise of ChatGPT. This is a motivational post about which writers are at risk and what you can do to pivot.

So let’s get started!

Low-risk writing roles

1. Creative writing

Every human being has a unique perspective about things, people, or places. This aspect of creativity remains untouched by ChatGPT. It cannot replicate the voice of human beings that is loaded with emotions and outlooks from a different mind. 

If you fear that ChatGPT will catch up—hone your creative skills. 

Writers should develop a voice they’ll be known for and adapt to a unique style that AI or machine learning cannot replicate.

2. Screenwriting

ChatGPT lacks the ability to develop the complex emotions behind the characters, associate names with personalities, create a dialogue or write a plot that is unique and out of this world. 

Screenwriting is time-consuming, and it takes days or even months to nail a single character due to complex character development and their role in a story. 

Screenwriters can secure their jobs even more if they focus on writing compelling stories and striking a connection with their viewers through audience research and a focus on human emotions. Screenwriters shape the existence of characters from scratch, which is not possible for ChatGPT, and puts this profession at a low risk of being affected by AI.

3. Poetry

AI-generated poems are usually monotonous and high on the fancy lexicon. Poetry inspires and bedazzles people with flowing verses, metaphors, and lyricism. Huddling sentences together through AI creates a few winning passages but the rest of them can be unimpressive. 

The symbolism and hidden meaning behind a poem is the most precious aspect of it. Poets evoke powerful emotions and write from their experiences, making their poetry iconic. They can enhance their importance further with a unique style and leveraging on personal experiences that nobody knows about!

4. Opinion pieces

ChatGPT cannot imitate interpretive intelligence.

If I want an opinion on a controversial subject, I’d much rather talk to a human being than a machine. That’s because personal opinion is more effective when a human voice is attached to it. The drama, the emotions, and the little side stories are indispensable parts of an opinion piece that AI will find hard to replace. 

Writers can continue their expressive commentaries on social and other pressing issues to avoid competition from AI.

5. Editorial Content

Editorial content is exclusive, and if anyone can write it with AI, it’ll lose its intended purpose. Editorial judgment is irreplaceable and acts on knowledge acquired over the years. 

Editorial writers should continue to provide this unbiased guidance to their readers and not worry about AI. They can upskill by adding more topics under their specialization belt and using AI to enhance their efficiency further.

6. Academic writing 

ChatGPT can do basic research assignments but cannot create academic papers from scratch as they involve rigorous research. These papers are bundles and boundless of ongoing research and analysis, which is possible only when the writer is proficient in the subject.

Academic writers can thrive with ChatGPT if they keep providing in-depth analysis of a subject and contributing more to its current status. 

7. Ghostwriting

Ghostwriters are essential for the writing ecosystem. They help businesses and clients save time and money and increase revenue with their unique skills to capture a voice and create content from their client’s perspectives. 

AI cannot replicate the same voice over and over again for different topics, which creates inconsistencies and leads to more editing work. A ghostwriter does it all and more with their unique abilities to touch on a topic without compromising on the quality. 

Writers can thrive with the assistance of AI

AI will not replace writers anytime soon, but writers who use AI might. A writer’s emotional touch and emotional intelligence will always stay in demand. AI is the means to provide efficiency and create better results cutting down on research time and bringing more attention to detail. 

AI is a pivot point in writing where writers can tackle long and detailed assignments in less time thorough research with AI. Moreover, AI does good work of creating basic content and ideation, which writers can use to build their personal brand and score more deals. 

“Why won't AI replace writers?

AI can be a writer’s headlight in that fog and help them reach the destination faster than the estimated time with its insights. 

Lastly, don’t dread the existence of AI; up-skill, learn, and implement new ideas and information to be an evergreen writer.