Writing is an exercise in the art of persuasion. If we use AI we lose the art | Alan Finkel

Editor's take

The piece argues that AI-generated text should be clearly labeled to preserve the integrity of written communication and prevent deception. This concern is particularly relevant as generative AI models like OpenAI's GPT-4 become more sophisticated, blurring the lines between human and machine authorship.

The core issue is the potential erosion of trust and the devaluation of human intellectual effort if AI-generated content is presented as authentic human work. This affects not only academic integrity and journalistic standards but also the very nature of discourse and the development of critical thinking skills, as the "art of persuasion" becomes automated.

Future developments to monitor include the effectiveness and adoption of AI detection tools, and whether regulatory bodies will mandate disclosure. The impact on fields like journalism and education hinges on whether clear identification becomes the norm, or if the ease of AI generation leads to widespread, unlabeled content.