In a world where artificial intelligence is reshaping every corner of creativity and productivity, I've got a confession to make: nearly all of my written work is generated by AI. To be precise, about 95% of the words you read in my articles, reports, and even personal essays come straight from an AI model. The remaining 5%? That's just the prompting—the carefully crafted instructions I feed into the system to guide it toward the output I envision. But here's the twist: that 5% of typing represents only a tiny fraction of the actual work involved. The real heavy lifting—95% of it—lies in developing the thesis, building the premise, and refining those prompts to perfection.
Let me break this down for you. If you're picturing me lounging back while a robot does all the labor, you're missing the point. Using AI isn't about laziness; it's about efficiency, precision, and amplifying human ingenuity. In this article, I'll explain why I embrace AI without a shred of shame, how the true value of any piece of work comes from the ideas behind it, and why this approach might just be the future for creators everywhere.
The Myth of "Original" Creation
First, let's dispel a common misconception: that "real" writing must be 100% human-typed, word by painstaking word. Historically, creators have always relied on tools to enhance their output. Think about it—typewriters replaced quills, word processors added spell-check, and now AI handles drafting. But the core of any great work isn't the mechanical act of stringing sentences together; it's the intellectual framework that holds it all up.
In my process, the thesis is king. Before I even touch a keyboard, I spend hours (sometimes days) mulling over the central argument. What am I trying to say? Why does it matter? Who is the audience, and what evidence will convince them? This is the premise-building phase, where I research, outline, and iterate on ideas until they crystallize. Only then do I craft prompts for the AI—detailed, nuanced directives that specify tone, structure, length, and key points to cover.
For example, if I'm writing about climate change solutions, my prompt might look like this: "Write a 1,500-word article arguing that individual actions are insufficient without systemic policy changes. Start with a personal anecdote, include data from recent IPCC reports, counter common objections, and end with a call to action. Use engaging, conversational language aimed at young adults." See? That's not just typing; it's directing a symphony. The AI generates the bulk of the text, but it's my vision steering the ship.
Why AI? Efficiency Without Compromise
Skeptics might argue that AI dilutes authenticity or borders on plagiarism. I get it—there's a knee-jerk reaction to anything "automated." But let's be real: AI doesn't create from a vacuum. It draws from vast datasets of human knowledge, remixing ideas in ways that mimic our own creative processes. And in my case, since I'm the one shaping the input, the output is inherently mine.
The benefits are undeniable:
- Speed and Scale: What used to take me a full day of drafting can now be done in an hour. This frees up time for deeper thinking, revisions, or even producing more content. In a fast-paced world, this isn't cheating; it's adapting.
- Overcoming Blocks: Writer's block is real, and AI helps blast through it. By generating initial drafts, it provides a starting point I can refine, ensuring my ideas don't stall out.
- Consistency and Quality: AI excels at grammar, flow, and variety in phrasing—things that can trip up even seasoned writers. I review and edit everything, of course, but starting with a solid foundation elevates the final product.
- Accessibility: Not everyone has the luxury of endless time or perfect English skills. AI levels the playing field, allowing diverse voices to shine without being hindered by technical barriers.
Critically, I always disclose when AI is involved (like right here), and I ensure the content is original in substance. Plagiarism checkers? They come back clean because the ideas are mine, even if the wording is AI-assisted.
The Real Work: 95% Invisible Effort
Now, back to that 95/5 split. The 5% prompting might seem minimal, but it's the tip of the iceberg. The underlying 95% is all about intellectual labor:
- Thesis Development: This is the "why" of the piece. It's philosophical, requiring critical thinking to form a defensible argument. AI can't do this—it needs human direction.
- Premise Construction: Gathering facts, synthesizing research, and outlining logic. I pull from books, articles, personal experiences, and debates. This is where originality lives.
- Prompt Engineering: Don't underestimate this. Crafting effective prompts is an art. It involves trial and error, refining language to avoid biases, hallucinations, or off-topic tangents. A bad prompt yields garbage; a great one produces gold.
In essence, I'm not outsourcing creativity; I'm augmenting it. The AI is my collaborator, not my replacement. Studies show that human-AI hybrids outperform either alone in creative tasks—think chess grandmasters using engines or artists with digital tools.
Addressing the Shame: Ethics and the Future
Why no shame? Because shame implies wrongdoing, and there's none here. AI use is ethical when transparent, attributed, and used to enhance rather than deceive. Industries like journalism, marketing, and academia are already integrating it. The New York Times experiments with AI for data analysis; professors use it for lesson planning. If they're not ashamed, why should I be?
That said, we must navigate challenges. Job displacement is a concern, but history shows technology creates new roles (prompt engineers, anyone?). Bias in AI outputs requires vigilance—I always fact-check and diversify sources. And over-reliance could atrophy skills, so I balance by writing some pieces fully by hand.
Looking ahead, AI will democratize creation. Imagine students in under-resourced areas producing polished essays, or entrepreneurs drafting business plans without hiring ghostwriters. The focus shifts from rote production to innovative thinking, which is where humans excel.
Conclusion: Embrace the Tool, Own the Vision
So, yes, 95% of these words were AI-generated based on my prompts. But the thesis—that AI is a shameless ally in creation—comes from me. The premise, that true work is conceptual, not clerical, is my stake in the ground. If you're a creator hesitant about AI, I urge you: try it. Craft your prompts, guide the output, and watch your ideas flourish.
In the end, it's not about who types the words; it's about who shapes the message. And that, my friends, will always be human.