AI Writing: Why Humans Still Drive Quality, Not “Slop”

The article argues that AI writing should be viewed as a new medium, like photography or painting, where quality emerges from human choices—not from letting models produce unedited “slop.” It cites concerns that generative AI can enable deception (e.g., automated “personal” messages) and increase mediocrity, but the author disputes the claim that AI cannot support high-quality work. Key point: good writing comes from “a concentrated form of intention,” meaning humans must still decide what to write and what not to write. The author describes using tools such as Claude and ChatGPT as assistants for summarizing transcripts, drafting posts, fact-checking, and reorganizing thoughts—then iteratively rewriting to ensure the final text is theirs. To illustrate the medium effect, the author compares early reactions to photography and how new creative options emerged only after people learned the “choices” the medium enables. The article concludes that AI writing is still in an early phase, similar to “filmed stage plays,” and that masters will eventually produce work that is not merely high volume but genuinely higher quality. Overall message for creators: use AI writing as a power tool and judge the output, not the method.