Steven Pinker – Will ChatGPT supplant us as writers, thinkers?

Feb 20, 2023 · chatgpt ·

In a recent article in the Harvard Gazette, Steven Pinker, a professor of psychology at Harvard University, discussed the implications of the emergence of a new type of artificial intelligence. The AI, known as ChatGPT, is capable of generating written content without any human input. While Pinker acknowledges the potential benefits of this technology, he is also concerned that it could replace the jobs of writers.

Pinker argues that while writing has been an essential part of communication since the dawn of civilization, its significance has increased dramatically in modern times. With the rise of digital media, writing is now a valuable tool for disseminating information across vast distances quickly. However, if ChatGPT were to become widespread, it could potentially displace large numbers of writers and negatively affect the quality of the resulting content.

Pinker points out that there are certain ethical dilemmas associated with ChatGPT, such as whether it should be used to create propaganda or spread fake news. He also expresses reservations about using the technology to create copyrighted works, as this could have serious implications for the authorship rights of writers.

Pinker then examines the potential economic impact of introducing ChatGPT into the market. He notes that while it could reduce costs for consumers and businesses, it could also exacerbate inequality by displacing lower-wage writers. He suggests that governments should look into ways of mitigating the potential harms that ChatGPT could cause, such as developing incentives for companies to employ human writers or providing subsidies for low-income workers affected by the technology.

Finally, Pinker advocates for the development of ethical guidelines to govern the use of ChatGPT. He believes that these regulations should take into account the interests of both consumers and writers, and should ensure that the technology is used responsibly.

In conclusion, while Pinker recognizes the potential of ChatGPT to revolutionize the production of written content, he is also aware of the potential harms that it could cause. He calls for more research on the topic and suggests that governments should look into creating regulations that protect both consumers and writers in the event that the technology becomes widely available.