Should You Really Use AI to Write That First Draft? (And What to Do Instead)

“AI can be a powerful addition to your writing process. But relying on it to generate your first draft could be doing a real disservice to your readers — and to yourself.”

By Nick Mediati

The audience of this article is adults running non-profit organizations, but the principles provide strong arguments about AI use, which can apply to and be adapted for everyone.

Reasons for not using AI to write – especially a first draft

• Writing Is Thinking – Writing organizes and structures our thinking. The process helps us connect our ideas while at the same time, branch out in different directions.
• If You Want to Stand Out, Write It Yourself – Since AI writing is a mashup based on other people’s work, it is not unique. With constant use of AI, even personal communications reflect that style.
• You Know Your Audience – AI writes for a general audience, so the appeal to a specific group is missing.
• Search Engines Value Unique Content – Content that is similar to what is already online is ranked lower than what is written by a human.

How to Thoughtfully Use AI in the Writing Process – After warning that AI can make mistakes or hallucinate, Mediati offers some suggestions for beneficial use and gives some sample prompts.

• To Help You Identify Topics or Themes to Write About – A writer can ask for general ideas and perhaps what people may be interested in, but it should not write a specific thesis statement.
• As a Virtual Reference Desk – AI can provide informational sources for further understanding of a topic.
• As a Mental “Sparring Partner” – A chatbot can fill in gaps and false assumptions in the thought process.
• A Bicycle for the Mind, If You Let It Be One – The author uses Steve Jobs’ analogy comparing AI to a bicycle which, with its gears, can enhance human effort.

Mediati’s conclusion is that no one should have AI write for them.

Because at its core, the act of writing is humans conveying information to other humans. There is intrinsic value in that. And human perspective, experience, and insight is key in our work as nonprofits. We’re not here just to make a line go up. We’re not here just to optimize every last aspect of our lives. We do this work because we care about making an impact in our communities. And that takes empathy. Compassion. Critical thinking. A humane view of the world.

Here are the details and more information.