Forum: AI can complement the creative process, not replace it
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I refer to the letter “Being human is at the heart of why we read and write”
The suggestion that AI tools like StoryGen “lack humanness” assumes that the human experience must be entirely self-generated. Throughout history, technological advancements have consistently been met with similar scepticism.
When the printing press emerged, some feared it would dilute creativity and ruin oral traditions. Yet, it democratised access to knowledge and inspired generations of thinkers and creators.
AI, similarly, is not a substitute for human imagination but a tool to expand it. By offering ideas, refining drafts, or suggesting new perspectives, AI can complement the creative process, making it more accessible and inclusive.
The claim that using AI stifles imagination misunderstands how creativity often thrives. Prompts – whether from a teacher, a writing exercise, or AI – are a starting point, not the endpoint.
AI can help young writers overcome the daunting “blank page syndrome”, letting them explore their inner thoughts and unique voices.
Far from robbing us of imagination, AI can free us from mundane tasks, allowing focus on introspection and innovation. It can serve as a co-creator, sparking ideas that writers can expand upon, critique, or transform into something profoundly human.
The writer emphasises the transformative power of writing, which I agree is invaluable. But should we not also embrace tools that can bring this transformative experience to more people, including those who may lack initial confidence or access to traditional mentorship? AI has the potential to level the playing field, and encourage more people to engage with writing as a craft and a form of therapy.
Finally, the concern that AI will flatten curiosity overlooks how effectively it can ignite it. AI-generated narratives, when used thoughtfully, can challenge readers and writers to think critically about themes, plot twists and character development. By engaging with AI, children and adults can explore the boundaries of their creativity, reflecting on what makes stories resonate and reimagining them in personal ways.
Rather than dismissing AI as a threat to imagination, let us embrace it as a tool that can inspire and empower future generations to read, write, and dream even more vividly.
Ailene Tan
