With the rise of ChatGPT and other AI tools, one can’t help but wonder, “‘Would this make writing redundant?’

In some cases, ChatGPT and AI do have their uses in easing the process of writing.

But can it make writing redundant? Hardly.

Writing is not just an action. It is so much more than that.

1) Writing is thinking. Through writing, we clarify our thoughts, we organise and we make sense of them. To think more clearly and coherently, we need to write. Writing brings life to our thoughts.

2) Writing is therapeutic. One of my teachers at Harvard used to say that writing is not therapy, but it is therapeutic. Sometimes, after writing down our innermost thoughts and feelings, we immediately feel better. When we tell our stories, especially of pain, suffering or hardship, there is a great sense of relief and release. Our stories can even inspire others.

3) Writing is self-expression. The words that you write on a piece of paper or type on a computer or device are a reflection of who you are. No one else can write like you do. You have your own style of writing and a unique personal voice. Writing gives you an opportunity to share a part of yourself with the rest of the world.

In other words, writing is human and no bot or AI software will ever replace that.