As with everything, we need to be prudent and proceed with intention, with an open mind to the pitfalls of this new tech, while making room for its unique contribution to our modern way of life.

I recently attended a GAB Chat with the Birren Center for Autobiographical Studies on the subject of “AI and Guided Autobiography.” Guided Autobiography (GAB) is a method developed by Dr. James E. Birren in which an individual is guided in writing their personal life history, focusing on the transformative power of reflection and introspection. The presenters at the GAB Chat, Lily Bengfort and Leigh Morrow (The Story Guides), made the point that while we have been using AI-assisted tools for quite a while (spellcheck, anyone?), Generative AI is the new seat at the table, and, like most things, it has its pros and cons. Evaluating the purpose of use should be considered prior to jumping in.

Lily and Leigh stressed that, in writing that requires combining experience and reflection, the end goal is not necessarily the product itself. The goal of this work is the transformative power that comes from re-experiencing the events as they are shared and examining them through the lens of the present, resulting in reflection. This can lead to wisdom and growth; it can help us identify the roots of why we are the way we are. These deep reflections are not something that AI can replicate on the personal level. Yes, it can create something beautiful that appears authentic, but the incredibly personal journey, reflection, wisdom, and growth are missing. 

I recently had a conversation with a local high school English teacher. I asked him how he deals with Generative AI in the classroom. He said he tried all the micromanaging strategies that many other teachers employ - having students handwrite essays, check length of time working on the computer, etc. He has settled on a strategy that seems most successful, is not top-down-heavy, and invites his students to be non-perfect humans. When they turn in a paper that sounds like it was written by AI, his comment is something to the tune of, “It sounds like AI, it doesn’t sound like you.”

As a society, it appears we are increasingly trying to appear perfect while hiding our flaws. Product advertising, photoshopping, diet crazes, performance-enhancing drugs, and body-altering surgery all push the same message. We use social media to edit our lives, and we can now create fictionalized photos and videos of events that never really happened. We are constantly under a barrage of narratives that tell us we aren’t good enough as we are. That we need to be perfect to be accepted by society. Generative AI can accelerate this message. 

These very flaws that we spend so much time concealing are an integral part of being human - imperfect, messy, and prone to mistakes. These mistakes and imperfections are often the vehicle of growth. Hiding our nature behind a false wall can deprive us of essential introspection and acceptance of who we are, and hinder self-discovery. 

Our goal should be growth, not perfection. 

If we can choose that, we will discover that we are beautiful human beings just as we are.

Does this mean that no one should use AI in their writing? One attendee in the GAB Chat (I regret not catching his name to credit him properly) shared a perspective that stuck with me: writing is a transformative process that results in a product. Some will choose to use AI to refine the product, but we should not mess with the process.

Creating human-authored personal writing is an authentic and deep experience. We should not shy away from embracing the imperfection of being human and tap into the transformative power of a reflective journey.

How to use AI is a personal decision. While Generative AI has many uses, creating personal reflective writing is not one of them.

Your story requires you to be the storyteller.