The Dearth of Human Authorship in AI-Assisted Writing: Implications and Opportunities

Core Concepts

The dearth of the author - a condition where AI-based creativity support tools allow users to produce large amounts of text with minimal creative decision-making, resulting in output sparse in expressive intent.

Abstract

The article discusses the "dearth of the author" - a phenomenon that arises when AI-based creativity support tools (CSTs) for writing allow users to produce large amounts of text without making a commensurate number of creative decisions. This results in output that is sparse in expressive intent, as the author has delegated many of the creative decisions to the CST.
The author argues that this dearth of the author helps explain several recurring difficulties and anxieties around AI-based writing support tools, such as:

Homogenization of writing across different users of the same CST
Limited feelings of ownership over the output among users
Rhetorical confusion, with some outputs perceived as "soulless" while others demonstrate high intentfulness
Greater impacts on inexperienced writers, who may be more likely to treat the machine as a creative authority
The author suggests that reversing the dearth of the author is a key research challenge for the field of AI-based writing support. CSTs that can lead the author to make a greater number of meaningful creative decisions per unit of text produced, drawing out unexpressed elements of the author's intent, may be able to bring about an "abundance of the author" - a condition where every word is carefully considered.

Stats

The article does not contain any specific metrics or figures. It is a conceptual discussion of the implications of AI-based writing support tools.

Quotes

"The dearth of the author arises when the ratio of authorial intent to output text length is small. AI-based CSTs that make creative decisions on the author's behalf tend to decrease this ratio."
"AI-based CSTs can also increase this ratio by leading the author to make a greater number of meaningful creative decisions per unit of text produced, drawing out unexpressed elements of the author's intent and provoking them to refine this intent further."

Key Insights Distilled From

The Dearth of the Author in AI-Supported Writing

by Max Kreminsk... at arxiv.org 04-17-2024

https://arxiv.org/pdf/2404.10289.pdf

Deeper Inquiries

How can AI-based writing support tools be designed to actively engage the author in the creative decision-making process, rather than delegating these decisions to the machine?

To actively engage the author in the creative decision-making process, AI-based writing support tools can be designed with certain features and approaches. Firstly, tools can provide prompts and suggestions that inspire the author's creativity rather than replacing it. By offering thought-provoking prompts that encourage the author to think deeply about their content, the tool can guide the author towards making more intentional decisions. Additionally, incorporating interactive elements such as real-time feedback on the author's choices can foster a collaborative dynamic between the author and the AI tool, ensuring that the author remains actively involved in the creative process. Moreover, allowing for customization and control over the level of AI involvement can empower authors to dictate the extent to which they want the tool to assist them, maintaining a balance between human creativity and AI support.

What are the potential risks and downsides of an "abundance of the author" condition, where every word is carefully considered? How can these be mitigated?

While an "abundance of the author" condition, where every word is meticulously considered, can lead to highly refined and intentional writing, there are potential risks and downsides to this approach. One risk is the potential for overthinking and perfectionism, which can hinder the creative flow and lead to writer's block. Additionally, excessive scrutiny over every word may result in a slower writing process, impacting productivity and efficiency. To mitigate these risks, authors can benefit from setting clear goals and boundaries for their writing sessions, allowing for a balance between thoughtful consideration and creative spontaneity. Moreover, incorporating tools that provide structured feedback and suggestions can help authors navigate the decision-making process more effectively, ensuring that their meticulous considerations contribute to enhancing the quality of their writing without becoming overwhelming.

How might the impact of AI-based writing support tools differ across various genres, styles, and purposes of writing? Are there certain domains where the dearth of the author is more or less problematic?

The impact of AI-based writing support tools can vary significantly across different genres, styles, and purposes of writing. In creative writing genres such as fiction and poetry, where expressive intent and unique voice are paramount, the dearth of the author resulting from excessive AI intervention can be more problematic. Authors in these genres often rely on personal creativity and originality to convey their message effectively, making it crucial to maintain a strong authorial presence in the writing process. Conversely, in technical or academic writing where clarity and precision are prioritized over creative expression, the dearth of the author may be less problematic as the focus is on conveying information efficiently. Therefore, it is essential for AI-based writing tools to adapt their level of intervention based on the specific requirements and expectations of different writing domains to ensure that they enhance, rather than overshadow, the author's creative input.