Marcus Patterson

I feel like AI's impact on writing is vastly overhyped. And that's coming from someone building an AI writing software. First, there is already too much content. We can't read it all. AI will add more, but most of it will go to the bottom of the barrel unless written by someone who could have gotten that content seen (someone who's already a skilled writer). Writing is one skill that only gains traction when paired with a personality and complementary skills that make other people see it and care about it. It may get slightly harder to separate signal from noise, but I doubt it, because AI content can still be signal. Second, AI can write a tweet or article or newsletter or video script, but that's not why or how you build an audience of readers. Your "brand" is a culmination of everything you've put out. Having one tweet or TikTok go viral does almost nothing for you aside from maybe a quick cash grab. Most viral content is shallow and low IQ. That's not a foundation for a meaningful long-term brand. Most worthwhile content is not viral. Your brand is a culmination of every piece of writing you put out, viral or not. It's the personal or organizational philosophy, meaning, and vision. Your writing is a thread in that tapestry woven over time. Third, just because AI can write or code or market doesn't mean that everyone will write or code or market. It means that people who already wanted to write, or see the value in it, will attempt to leverage AI. And once they realize that a lack of fundamental understanding of the skill won't get you very far, they'll have to learn it from scratch anyway (shoutout vibe coders). AI is revolutionary. There's no question about it. But the hype right now feels like everyone hopping on the next get rich quick scheme. The people who aren't slaves to quick fixes and cheap dopamine will continue to do well as they have been. In reality, this is more like the next evolution of how we write. Pen and paper > typewriter > keyboard > software assisted > AI assisted. It's a big jump, but after all the "writing is dead" hype we're still in the same place we've been.