Accra: Pulling down the curtain on my discussion on Artificial Intelligence as it relates to the writer, let me reiterate that this article is about how writers can use AI without surrendering their creativity and authority wholly to technology. As we have noted unambiguously, used as a research tool, AI is a great companion for writers. While this technology is certainly impressive, care ought to be exercised not to surrender one's writing process hook, line, and sinker, as some writers are prone to do.
According to Ghana Web, being prudent is crucial when engaging with AI tools. As the Twi proverb says, 'Besepa ne koni ahaban y?tase no ?banyansafo?.' 'Besepa' and 'koni' are plants whose leaves look alike. To correctly tell them apart, you need to exercise wisdom and discernment. Similarly, when prompts produce huge amounts of information from AI, one must prudently distinguish between what is useful for their purpose and what must be discarded. For many, the joy of being a writer is in the process of writing, not just in being acknowledged as the writer.
New York Times columnist Farhad Manjoo describes ChatGPT as an aid rather than a replacement, asserting that it has become part of his workflow but not a substitute for writing. Screenwriter David Cornue echoes this sentiment, using ChatGPT as a story collaborator rather than a generator. Anthony Horowitz acknowledges the usefulness of ChatGPT but questions its ethical implications, emphasizing that its information should not be accepted without restraint or checking. Meanwhile, Margaret Atwood is staunchly against using AI in her writing, considering it a sign of laziness, though she recognizes its utility for research purposes.
Booker Prize-winning novelist Bernardine Evaristo found ChatGPT's literary quality lacking, describing it as 'clich©-prone and generally unconvincing.' Salman Rushdie highlighted AI's struggle with reproducing genuine humor, emphasizing that writers' value lies in their unique perspectives and experiences. Ultimately, AI is a tool for writers, and its use depends on individual preferences and ethical considerations.