Grammarly Is Offering ‘Expert’ AI Reviews From Your Favorite Authors—Dead or Alive

Editor's take

Superhuman, formerly Grammarly, has launched a feature providing writing feedback purportedly modeled on the styles of renowned authors, living and deceased, through its AI. This move raises significant questions about intellectual property and the ethical implications of training AI on the creative output of individuals without their explicit consent, potentially devaluing original authorship. The service could reshape how writers approach style and voice, but also sparks debate over attribution and the very nature of AI-assisted creativity.

The immediate concern is the legal and ethical precedent being set. While Superhuman is likely relying on publicly available works, the unauthorized appropriation of an author's distinct style, even for AI training, treads a fine line. This initiative could pave the way for similar AI tools that mimic specific artistic voices, impacting the livelihoods and legacies of creators. The broader AI landscape faces scrutiny regarding its reliance on vast datasets, and this development highlights the need for clearer guidelines on data sourcing and intellectual property within generative AI applications.

Future developments to monitor include potential legal challenges from authors' estates or living writers, and the public reaction to AI-generated "expert" advice. It will also be important to observe if Superhuman can truly capture the nuanced essence of an author's style, or if the AI output remains a superficial imitation. The success and reception of this feature could influence whether other AI companies pursue similar, potentially controversial, approaches to stylistic emulation.