Dr. Shalini Yadav
“Slow down if you’re struggling for new ideas; creativity resides in the present moment.” — Natalie Goldberg
In the wake of the pandemic, the desire to be heard, acknowledged, and to showcase one’s identity has surged. People are now seeking to transcend material pursuits, embracing their skills and multidimensional personas. The lockdown prompted self-exploration, revealing new facets of individuals eager to display themselves to the world.
Global surge in writers and artists
Sigmund Freud’s words, “Everywhere I go I find a poet has been there before me,” resonate universally. The world is witnessing a surge in writers and artists from diverse corners, but the question remains: are we truly fostering creativity or merely adopting tools that mimic it? Is the surge in content creation due to the widespread use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), or does it stem from genuine human experiences? Are we curating environments where everything already exists, or are our ideas genuine? Is AI a viable replacement for fiction writers, copywriters, copyeditors, and poets?
In the post-pandemic era, where being dynamic and cutting-edge is coveted, many are turning to AI for quick content generation. AI tools expedite idea formation, content optimization, automated summarization, language translation, and overcoming writer’s block.
AI tools and ChatGPT contribute to contemporary literature in various ways — idea generation, character development, language enhancement, editing, and vocabulary diversification. While these tools streamline workflows, save time, and bolster content quality, human input remains vital for authenticity.
Creativity is key to using AI effectively
Renowned author Himanshu Rai shares, “AI aids research and enhances skills, yet it can’t replace the emotions in writing.” Similarly, Yasmin Sait suggests that creativity is key to using AI effectively. Annette Tarpley and Myriam Ghezail Ben Brahim see AI as plagiarism and a detriment to creativity, respectively.
AI-generated books flooding the market concern hardworking writers and publishers. S. Affan Yesvi dismisses AI’s use, emphasizing publishers’ responsibility to scrutinize content. AI’s replication of existing online content raises copyright issues, requiring arduous legal battles for resolution.
Bestselling author Shunali Kullar Shroff acknowledges AI’s potential but highlights its inability to craft authentic dialogue or produce original work. Meghna Pant concurs, noting AI’s limitation in capturing human emotions and experiences. AI’s rise is acknowledged, but it’s viewed as a supplement, not a replacement.
The role of intuition and inspiration
Incorporating AI into literary work is subjective. Writers and poets balance AI’s assistance with their own intuition and inspiration. AI enhances creativity by suggesting ideas and aiding in various aspects of writing, yet it doesn’t replace the essence of human storytelling.
AI’s role in literature is multifaceted, offering inspiration, grammar assistance, and plot suggestions. However, achieving growth requires a balance between technological assistance and humanistic approaches. Striving for authentic contributions and adding to existing narratives remains vital.
(Dr. Shalini Yadav is a Professor, Writer, and Editor)
