Why I’m Not Worried about AI Taking My Job (my version)

why I'm not worried about AI taking my job (AI's version)

Today’s post comes in two parts. First is my own writing. Second is AI’s version, answering the exact same prompt I gave myself. Both are fine. Neither are exceptional. But one has more personality and uniqueness. One could only be created by me. What do you think? Should I be worried about my job?

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Part 1: Why I’m Not Worried about AI Taking My Job (my version)

Raise your hand if you have heard or thought some version of this question in the last year:

“Why should I hire you and not use Chat GPT?”

It is a good question.

Why should you hire a ghostwriter when you could dump your story into AI?

Why should you hire a running coach when you can ask Chat GPT for a training plan?

Why should you purchase a nutrition guide if Chat GPT can tell you what to tweak?

Why go to the doctor when AI could give you a diagnosis?

Why get your driver’s license when AI will be driving all our cars soon enough?

Why make a friend when you could get an AI friend?

Why go to seminary when churches are turning priests into AI models to hear confession? (or not?)

Why do anything at all ever?

It is a good question.

To which I have many answers. Here are a few:

AI isn’t going to get it right every time and might make a project even more wrong (wronger?) or more confusing to begin with.

AI is feeding itself, meaning it is already becoming a cheap imitation of itself and will only further degrade (maybe). Maybe not.

AI isn’t going to give you the personal touch or the creative touch.

AI will sound like, or feel like, or be like the “A” in AI. Artificial.

If you want to write words just to write words, sure AI can do that.

But do you want to write good words? Meaningful words? Creative words? Impactful words? Words crafted into a compelling, twisty, complex narrative with drive and tension and development and resolution? AI can’t do that. If you want mediocre and sufficient, go for it. That is probably the right choice for emails and generic messages. But for the book of your heart? The story of your soul? Not so much.

A human ghostwriter cares about the author and cares about the craft of the words.

Human ghostwriters help authors position their stories, craft their narratives, and dig for the gems of purpose and meaning that will drive readers to the book. They are careful listeners and help authors figure out what needs to be done in their manuscript so it will find readers and express the author’s vision. They understand the market and the trends.

Ghostwriters help authors think, not just write.

Using AI isn’t as simple as “using AI.” Do potential authors know what prompts to give it? Do they understand LLMs? Will they be ready to edit and revise and transform what is produced? And do they want to take the time to develop those skills, or would they rather hire a great ghostwriter to do it all for them?

Yes, AI could create your book for you.

But do you want a good book? Do you want to grow as a storyteller? Do you want to produce something you will feel proud of? Do you want a marketable book?

AI helps. Good ghostwriters use a variety of AI tools.

But AI can’t replace a quality ghostwriter any more than candy corn can replace corn on the cob.

AI helps me do my job. From Grammarly to Notta to ChatGPT to Notebook LM, I am constantly asking, “How can AI help me with this?” But AI doesn’t do my job for me and isn’t about to take my job from me. Maybe eventually it will, but not yet.

Taking a theological perspective, I don’t believe AI was created with the imago dei at its core, the image of God. AI is not made in the image of God, it is made in the image of humans.

Humans were created in goodness. The first and most foundational thing about us is that we were created in goodness and imbued with the sacred dignity of the imago dei. AI was not created with goodness at its very core, as its essence.

What is AI’s essence? Maybe productivity, ease, success, money, power…I don’t know. Ask Sam Altman or Elon Musk or Jessica Livingstone.

That fundamental distinction can never be supplanted by anything built by human hands, as good and creative and innovative as they might be. And the human touch will be evident in what is created, especially when it comes to the arts: sculpture, painting, music, dance, books.

AI is a tool and one of my top goals for 2025 is to learn how to wield it wisely and productively.

How do you use AI in your work? What do you think makes your work distinctive from an AI-produced product? Are you concerned AI will take your job?

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Part 2: Why I’m Not Worried about AI Taking My Job (AI’s Version)

(created by ChatGPT, unedited)

In an increasingly digital world where artificial intelligence (AI) plays a significant role in various fields, many professionals are concerned about job security. Ghostwriters, in particular, may be wondering if AI technologies could threaten their livelihoods. However, despite the advancements in AI content generation, there are compelling reasons why ghostwriting jobs remain safe.

1. Unique Voice and Personalization

One of the primary functions of a ghostwriter is to capture a client’s unique voice, style, and message. While AI can produce text that resembles human writing, it lacks the ability to genuinely replicate the nuances of individual expression. Each author has a distinctive way of conveying ideas, a tone that resonates with their audience, and personal experiences that shape their narratives. Ghostwriters understand how to weave these elements into the fabric of a story, creating authentic content that AI simply cannot match.

2. Emotional Intelligence and Connection

Writing is not just about stringing words together; it involves tapping into emotions to create a connection with readers. A skilled ghostwriter can empathize with their clients’ audience, ensuring the content not only informs but also resonates on a personal level. AI, while capable of analyzing patterns in text, lacks genuine emotional intelligence. It cannot understand the depth of human experiences, the subtle shifts in tone, or the context behind words. This emotional disconnect can result in generic content that fails to engage readers profoundly.

3. Collaboration and Communication

Ghostwriting is inherently a collaborative process. It involves discussions with clients to understand their visions, brainstorming ideas, and refining drafts based on feedback. This dynamic exchange fosters a relationship built on trust, respect, and mutual understanding. AI cannot engage in meaningful dialogue or adjust its approach based on personal interactions. The human ability to communicate effectively and adapt to the evolving needs of clients is a fundamental aspect of ghostwriting that AI cannot replicate.

4. Creativity Beyond Algorithms

Creativity is a hallmark of effective writing. Ghostwriters are not just wordsmiths; they are storytellers who draw from their experiences, inspirations, and cultural influences to create compelling narratives. AI generates content based on patterns and existing data, which can limit its creative potential. Human artists often think outside the box, drawing on unique perspectives and insights that algorithms simply cannot replicate. This ability to innovate and think creatively is invaluable in crafting captivating stories that leave a lasting impact on readers.

5. Ethical Considerations

Ghostwriting often involves sensitive topics, personal stories, and meticulous attention to detail regarding authorship. The ethical implications of content creation require a human touch—one that considers the moral ramifications of storytelling. Ghostwriters navigate the complexities of representation, permission, and authenticity, ensuring that the stories they tell are respectful and true to their clients’ experiences. AI lacks the discernment required to handle these ethical aspects appropriately, making human ghostwriters indispensable.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while AI continues to evolve and play a role in various writing tasks, it does not have the capabilities to replace ghostwriters. The unique blend of personalization, emotional intelligence, creativity, collaboration, and ethical considerations that define ghostwriting secures the profession’s place in the literary landscape. Instead of viewing AI as a threat, ghostwriters can embrace technology as a tool that complements their skills, allowing them to focus on the creative aspects of their work while automating more mundane tasks. Ultimately, the art of storytelling requires a human touch, and that’s where ghostwriters truly shine.