Can human writers survive the AI takeover of journalism?

Is It Me or ChatGPT? The Growing AI Threat to Writers’ Jobs

Artificial intelligence is advancing fast. For those of us who earn a living with words, the rise of AI isn’t just a curiosity—it’s a source of real concern. Every day, AI tools seem to intrude more into how we write, communicate, and create.

These AI assistants pop up everywhere—Google Docs, email platforms, social media—offering “help” with crafting messages. What was once a gradual shift now feels sudden and unavoidable. For writers, especially opinion columnists, this raises a troubling question: how long will our skills remain irreplaceable?

Why Writers Should Pay Attention

There’s a common belief that reason and persuasion are uniquely human talents. Yet AI is already generating news and opinion pieces. For example, the Los Angeles Times offers AI-generated counterarguments to their opinion columns, aiming to present broader perspectives. The intention is to avoid echo chambers, but is relying on algorithms for diverse viewpoints really the answer?

This isn’t just theory. Multiple newspapers have stumbled when using AI. A recent syndicated summer book list published by several papers—including the Chicago Sun-Times and The Philadelphia Inquirer—included many books that don’t exist. The use of AI in creating that list led to the writer’s dismissal. These errors highlight the risks of handing over editorial tasks to machines without careful oversight.

Public Sentiment and AI in Journalism

The unease isn’t confined to writers. Research from the Poynter Institute and the University of Minnesota found that nearly half of Americans surveyed don’t want news produced by generative AI. One in five said the media shouldn’t use AI at all. This shows a significant trust gap when it comes to AI-generated content.

Testing AI’s Writing Skills

Curious about what AI can do, I ran a simple test: I asked ChatGPT to write a column in my style. In seconds, it produced a 675-word piece complete with a headline and byline. The opening lines on a politically charged topic were surprisingly coherent and well-structured.

That ability to mimic human writing is impressive—and unsettling. As political divisions deepen, the need for genuine, thoughtful dialogue grows. Can AI provide that? Can a machine truly understand nuance and context the way a human writer does?

What This Means for Writers

• AI is already changing the writing landscape. It can generate content quickly but often lacks depth and accuracy.
• Writers need to be aware that some tasks might be automated, but strong critical thinking and authentic voice remain valuable.
• Understanding how to work alongside AI tools could become a key skill for writers looking to stay relevant.

For writers concerned about the future, learning about AI’s capabilities and limitations is crucial. Resources like Complete AI Training’s ChatGPT courses can offer practical insights into how AI tools work and how to use them effectively without losing your unique voice.

Ultimately, while AI can assist, it can’t replace the human touch—at least not yet. For now, the authentic voice, perspective, and reasoning that writers bring still matter most.