“Writing has been dying since it was born. Socrates worried that writing would kill memory. But writing didn’t die. It transformed.” is an adaptation based on interpretations of Socratic philosophy and the ideas of Walter Ong, a media theorist. 

Writing is currently transforming.

Consider that as humans compose emails to other humans, artificial intelligence prompts them on what to say. Auto-completion, auto-correction, initial drafts and even final review are all points for AI direction. Where will this pattern lead?

“The only thing that you absolutely have to know, is the location of the library.”

— Albert Einstein

When considering the great libraries of history, several stand out: Alexandria, Ashurbanipal, Nalanda, Baghdad’s House of Wisdom, The British Library and The US Library of Congress. These institutions house knowledge, wisdom and allow us to stand on the shoulders of historic thinkers. 

In the early 1970’s, Paul Baran designed the internet to be a distributed network and not a centralized network so that it could survive a nuclear attack. Because of the further technological developments of cloud computing, algorithmic indexing, artificial intelligence and the distributed network we have collectively achieved: the largest library accessible by everyone, the Internet. 

Recent studies show that a growing share of online content is AI-generated. Research from Amazon Web Services found that about 57% of web text has been created or translated by AI. Experts predict that by 2026, up to 90% of online content could be AI-generated. Platforms like Medium report that 40–47% of recent posts in areas like crypto and marketing are likely produced by AI. This trend raises concerns about the integrity of online content.

What are the consequences to people who forego the discipline of writing?

Research from NC State University shows that writing is necessary on an individual basis for everyone. Writing facilitates thinking. The cognitive pathway between neurons and the visual cortex and down the spinal cord to the muscles and tendons of the hand create a mysterious arena for developing the persona and character of a person. Writing is necessary tool for personal development:

Writers test and evaluate their visual representation of thought on a page or screen as it emerges, discovering new ideas and subsequently revising the text. Writing can change the writer, opening up new perspectives and beliefs or revealing what there still is to learn. … Asking an AI-based system to write an essay on a topic that the (human) writer has not yet explored significantly subverts the thinking and learning process.

It is possible for a writer to auto-generate a text, evaluate whether it reflects the writer’s thoughts or intentions, and then revise the text as needed. But this process doesn’t work for many genres such as explanations of scientific processes or historical accounts because the writer is relying on the machine to provide information they don’t yet know. 

Sam Altman, CEO of ChatGPT, agrees with the power of writing to develop new ideas and to give the whole person rest. Linked is an interview on this topic. Consider these quotes from that interview. On the topic of when to write, “I used to think I needed a coffee shop experience, but now I’ll take any 11 minutes I can get. On the topic of quiet independent thought, “I’m convinced there are ideas I would never have sitting and talking with people that I just need to sit and type for.” My rhythm is I’m in the office all week nonstop, I have no time to think, it’s crazy packed and then on the weekends I have long quiet thoughts.”  

The common way to engage with AI is through chat conversations. Writing skills also known as thinking skills help to identify the right question. Writing skills help to identify when ChatGPT needs pushback, correction. Writing skills help to evaluate the results of that chat thread and to responsibly create a unique output for an email, cover letter, etc. A study from California State University, Sacramento, titled “Real World Writing: What Employers Expect,” highlights that employers highly value advanced communication skills, including writing. These skills are anticipated to increase in demand through 2030, as they are essential for effective workplace performance.

What types of writing are in highest demand in the workplace?

• Emails – Most frequent workplace communication; requires clarity and professionalism.
  
• Reports – Detailed analyses or updates used for tracking progress and informing decisions.
  
• Memos – Short internal documents for announcements, policy changes, or reminders.
  
• Proposals – Persuasive documents pitching ideas, projects, or solutions to stakeholders.
  
• Business Letters – Formal communications with clients, partners, or vendors.
  
• Instructions/Procedures – Step-by-step guides for tasks, often used in training or operations.
  
• Meeting Minutes – Written summaries of discussions, decisions, and action items from meetings.
  

In conclusion, digital communication is an ongoing need in the workplace. Check out the Guilford County website for classes on artificial intelligence, digital communication and more. 

Contact Digital Skills Agent, Jeffrey Cates with further questions. Jeff_Cates@ncsu.edu, 336.641.2436