Is this a reasonable question people may ask in the not-too-distant future? Is the need for human writing disappearing with the advent of artificial intelligence? I finally pulled up ChatGPT this week and decided to give it a test run. I keyed in, “Write a 200-word letter from the editor for a Southern city magazine for the month of October,” and it churned out the following:

As the vibrant hues of autumn settle over our charming Southern city, we’re excited to present this October issue, brimming with the spirit of the season. The crisp, cooler air invites us to embrace the rich traditions and unique experiences that make our community special.

In this issue, you’ll find a delightful blend of local highlights. We take you on a scenic tour through our beloved parks, now awash with fall colors, and offer a guide to the best seasonal events — from harvest festivals to spooky haunted tours that capture the essence of October. Our feature article delves into the fascinating history of local folklore and traditions, offering a nostalgic look at how our city has celebrated autumn through the years.

We’re also thrilled to spotlight some of our remarkable local entrepreneurs and artists who add their own creative flair to the season. Their stories are a testament to the vibrant spirit of our community and a reminder of the incredible talent right in our backyard.

As always, we encourage you to explore, enjoy, and engage with all that our city has to offer this fall. Here’s to a month filled with warmth, celebration, and Southern charm.

I have to admit, it’s not bad, although I am sorry to disappoint anyone who tries to find our scenic tour of local parks in this issue. But can the ability to express ourselves with the written word really be that easily replaced with computer software?

I for one would — obviously — argue against such a hypothesis. On a basic level, the ability to articulately express our thoughts is what makes us, well, human. Like any new technology, AI is already quite a useful tool in many situations, but were it to become a crutch for written expression across the board, I think our culture would greatly suffer. Could AI invent a novel that captures the raw authenticity of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn? Or churn out the haunting poetry of Emily Dickinson? The intelligence is, after all, artificial.

On page 126, Vona Weiss addresses AI as it pertains to education and its effect on today’s classrooms. If we do, in fact, still place value upon children learning the skill of the written word and thoughtful expression, then educators must find ways to preempt this incredibly easy way to plagiarize.

After all, according to ChatGPT when asked to write a letter from the editor on AI, “While its potential is vast, it is equally important to remain vigilant about the implications of its deployment. We must strive to ensure that AI is developed and implemented in ways that align with our shared values and ethical standards.”

Yes, indeed.

Sincerely,