We know there are a lot of generative AI tools out there, including ChatGPT and others, that promise to help with writing. But we at the Writing Center believe, as we always have, that conversation with a human can help you write the strongest work you can that sounds like you.
We’re always happy to discuss your writing with you, no matter what tools you use along the way, but since we’re all constantly bombarded with advertising singing the praises of generative AI, we want to make sure writers know about the downsides, too. Research suggests that using generative AI creates more work in the end and that it reduces creativity. Not to mention the environmental damage, catastrophic water usage, and massive energy costs that come with using these tools. It will also never say “I don’t know” to a question, even if its dataset doesn’t contain the answer. But those are some of the three most powerful words a person can say! They lead to powerful conversations, important discoveries, and a greater understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
Your professors may or may not be ok with you using genAI tools in your writing processes; this will likely vary from class to class. But it will always be a smart choice to come and talk to us at the Writing Center. Here’s a few things we’d like you to know:
- You don’t need to have anything written yet! The moment you get an assignment, you can brainstorm with us, and we’ll ask you questions to help you come up with your own unique ideas.
- You can bring messy, incomplete drafts and get feedback from an actual human reader.
- You can bring nearly finished drafts, in order to make sure they’re expressing exactly what you want to say.
- You can make accountability appointments to help you get your writing done with someone working alongside you.
The more you engage with every part of the writing process yourself, start to finish, the more you’ll get out of the experience, and the easier writing will get, over time.
And you never have to write alone! Writing is hard, and we’re happy to walk beside you every step of the way.