How AI Killed the Art of Writing

By Isabella Sage

April 2, 2026

Prior to the invention of artificial intelligence, writing was deemed a sacred form of expression, an art used to communicate ideas that words alone could not fully capture. Writing came from one’s own heart and mind; even in academic settings, you would still interpret research through your own perspective. Anaïs Nin once wrote, “We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospect,” reinforcing the idea that writing is not just communication but a reflection of lived experience. Thus, writing became a tool to express a total sense of self. 

Anaïs Nin Headshot

However, with the rise of AI, that sense of self has begun to fade and this is not necessarily the fault of the software itself. Rather, it is the convenience that makes AI more appealing than traditional writing. What makes the art of writing beautiful is its individuality, yet that same individuality can be draining, as it often requires hours of effort and introspection. In contrast, the ability to quickly input a prompt into one of the many artificial intelligence systems available allows for instant results. As Nicholas Carr argues, “What the Net seems to be doing is chipping away my capacity for concentration and contemplation,” a statement that echoes the growing dependence on efficiency over depth. In this way, the root of writing begins to erode and to many, it already feels as though it is disappearing. 

In all, while there may not be a definitive solution as AI continues to evolve, I encourage you to preserve a sense of self within every piece you write, whether academic or personal. Joan Didion once said, “I write entirely to find out what I’m thinking,” a reminder that writing is not just about producing words but about discovering identity. AI should be a tool, not a replacement; it should assist your voice, not silence it.