33: Ink Meets Code: AI in Writing with Naomi S. Baron

Summary In this episode of AI Snacks, Anastassia and Naomi Baron explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and writing. They discuss AI's capabilities in generating text, its implications for authorship and creativity, and the historical context of writing and plagiarism. The conversation delves into the cognitive effects of relying on AI for reading and writing, the evolving nature of literature, and the future of AI in these domains.Naomi S. Baron is a linguist and professor emerita of linguistics at the Department of World Languages and Cultures at American University in Washington D.C. Baron earned a PhD in linguistics at Stanford University. She taught at Brown University, the Rhode Island School of Design, Emory University, and Southwestern University before coming to American University. Her areas of research and interest include computer-mediated communication, writing, and technology, language in a social context, language acquisition, and the history of English. She was a Guggenheim Fellow, Fulbright Fellow, and Semiotic Society of America president. Her book, "Always On: Language in an Online and Mobile World," published in 2008, won the English-Speaking Union's HRH The Duke of Edinburgh ESU English Language Book Award. Anastassia recommends her excellent new book, "Who Wrote This?" Takeaways AI can write poetry and prose, but is it literature?Large language models process statistical token streams. They lack an understanding of language and human reasoning.AI's role in writing raises questions about creativity and authorship. However, it is uncertain whether writers who sue LLM makers over copyright infringements will win their cases. This is due to the nature of LLMs, which process tokens rather than words or sentences.Historical perspectives show that plagiarism was once accepted.Writers today may use AI as a tool, but it doesn't replace their voice.Reading experiences shape our understanding of language and culture.AI can summarize texts, but it may reduce profound reading experiences.The future of writing may involve collaboration between humans and AI.Understanding the evolution of reading is crucial in the digital age.Chapters 00:00Introduction to AI and Writing03:14Understanding AI in Writing and Literature06:20The Role of AI in Creative Processes12:36Historical Perspectives on Writing and Plagiarism19:48Copyright Issues and AI's Impact on Authors24:41The Writer's Journey and Reader Engagement30:00The Evolution of Reading and Cognitive Impact40:45Future of AI in Writing and ReadingReading Material and Sources: Biography Naomi S. BaronWho Wrote This? How AI and the Lure of Efficiency Threaten Human WritingHow ChatGPT robs students of motivation to write and think for themselves5 Touch Points Students Should Consider About AIWhy Human Writing Is Worth Defending In the Age of ChatGPTMedium Matters for Reading: What We Know about Learning with Print and Digital ScreensAI Edutainment Website“Romy&Roby” Book WebsiteAmazon.com “Romy, Roby and the Secrets of Sleep”