AI Theory – Exploring Ethics, Power, and Agency in AI-Assisted Writing

Table of Contents

Theory

The theoretical exploration of AI-assisted writing involves examining how generative artificial intelligence (GAI) tools affect fundamental aspects of human communication, creativity, and autonomy. This inquiry delves into philosophical questions and socio-cultural considerations, addressing concerns about ethics, power structures, and the redefinition of authorship and agency.

1. Ethics in AI-Assisted Writing

The integration of AI into writing practices raises several ethical questions:

Authorship and Originality: If AI generates content, who holds the authorship? The traditional notion of a singular human author is challenged, necessitating new frameworks for attribution and intellectual property rights (Hutson, 2021).
Academic Integrity: The use of AI tools in educational settings prompts concerns about plagiarism and the authenticity of student work. Educators must consider how to uphold academic standards while acknowledging the evolving nature of composing (Yeo, 2023).
Bias and Fairness: AI systems trained on large datasets may inadvertently perpetuate biases present in the data. This can lead to the reinforcement of stereotypes or exclusion of marginalized voices, raising ethical issues about fairness and representation (Noble, 2018).
Transparency and Consent: The opacity of AI algorithms can obscure how content is generated. Users may unknowingly reproduce biased or unethical content, highlighting the need for transparency and informed consent in AI interactions (Ananny & Crawford, 2018).

2. Power Dynamics

The deployment of AI in writing intersects with power structures in society:

Technological Determinism: The idea that technology shapes society’s values and structures suggests that AI could dictate norms in communication and creativity, potentially marginalizing those without access or proficiency in AI tools.
Corporate Control: Major technology companies developing AI hold significant influence over information dissemination and cultural production. This concentration of power raises concerns about monopolization and the shaping of public discourse .
Knowledge Production: AI’s role in generating content may shift authority from human experts to algorithms, affecting whose knowledge is valued and trusted.

3. Agency in AI-Assisted Writing

Agency refers to the capacity of individuals to act independently and make free choices. The integration of AI into writing processes impacts human agency in several ways:

Human-Machine Collaboration: The partnership between writers and AI tools blurs the lines between human creativity and machine output. Theorists examine how this collaboration affects the writer’s sense of agency and ownership over their work (Bishop, 2019).
Cognitive Offloading: Relying on AI for tasks such as idea generation or editing may reduce the cognitive engagement of writers, potentially diminishing critical thinking skills and creative development (Carr, 2010).
Empowerment vs. Dependency: While AI can enhance writing efficiency and open new possibilities, there is a risk of over-reliance, where writers become dependent on AI tools, potentially undermining their confidence and ability to write independently (Gunkel, 2020).

4. Redefining Authorship and Creativity

The advent of AI challenges traditional notions of what it means to create and be an author:

Posthumanism: This theoretical perspective considers how human and machine boundaries are becoming increasingly blurred, suggesting a move beyond traditional humanist notions of the autonomous individual (Hayles, 1999).
Intertextuality and Remix Culture: AI-generated content often draws from existing texts, raising questions about originality and the nature of creativity in a digital age where remixing and recontextualization are common (Lessig, 2008).
Collective Intelligence: The idea that knowledge and creativity emerge from the collective contributions of many individuals aligns with how AI systems learn from vast amounts of data, challenging the primacy of individual authorship (Levy, 1997).

5. The Future of Writing and Communication

Theoretical explorations consider the long-term implications of AI on writing and human communication:

Language Evolution: AI’s influence on language usage and conventions may accelerate changes in communication styles, potentially leading to new dialects or forms of expression (Crystal, 2008).
Democratization vs. Elitism: While AI tools can make writing support more accessible, there is a concern that disparities in access to advanced AI technologies may widen existing inequalities (van Dijk, 2020).
Ethical AI Development: The call for responsible AI emphasizes the need for ethical considerations in design, deployment, and regulation, advocating for AI that aligns with human values and societal well-being (Jobin, Ienca, & Vayena, 2019).