A Reflection on AI and Communication: The New Normal

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into our daily tasks is rapidly becoming the norm, especially in how we communicate. Using AI to support and enhance our communication will soon be as common as using a computer instead of handwriting a letter. Just as we transitioned from pen and paper to digital mediums, we are now embracing AI to streamline our communication processes. This shift represents a broader movement in how we think about creativity, communication, and technology, bringing together elements from various fields like philosophy, mindfulness, and entrepreneurship.

The Evolution of Communication

The history of communication is marked by technological advancements that changed how we connect. Writing letters by hand was once the standard, and each step toward digitization—from the typewriter to the computer—revolutionized our ability to share ideas. In Zen in the Art of Writing, Ray Bradbury writes about how creativity and the tools we use for expression can shape our message. Just as the typewriter offered Bradbury a new way to channel his creativity, AI offers us a new medium to refine and articulate our thoughts more effectively.

Today, the shift from handwritten letters to digital communication has become so ingrained in our lives that we rarely think about it. The same will happen with AI. As Marcus Aurelius notes in Meditations, "The soul becomes dyed with the color of its thoughts." Similarly, our communication methods become dyed with the tools we use. AI, like the computer and email before it, will soon blend seamlessly into our daily communication without needing to be explicitly acknowledged.

AI as the Next Communication Norm

AI is poised to play a transformative role in our communication. Tools like natural language processing, voice-to-text conversion, and AI-driven writing assistants are already aiding us in articulating our thoughts more clearly and efficiently. These technologies help us draft emails, write reports, and even generate creative content. As David Lynch suggests in Catching the Big Fish, the creative process is about diving into deeper levels of consciousness to find the right expression. AI serves as a facilitator in this process, helping us bring clarity to our deeper thoughts and ideas.

However, using AI tools like ChatGPT without adding sufficient personal context is akin to having access to a dictionary that contains every word in the English language and thinking you can create a bestselling novel. While the words or technology are there for everyone to use, the true benefit comes from how we craft these elements into something uniquely expressive. As Elizabeth Gilbert points out in Big Magic, creativity involves infusing our personal voice and perspective into our work. The technology is merely the medium; it’s our input and interpretation that transform it into something meaningful.

Much like the initial skepticism toward computers replacing handwritten letters, there's been hesitation around AI-enhanced communication. Some fear that AI might depersonalize interactions or diminish the authenticity of our voices. However, in Big Magic, Gilbert argues that creativity often involves overcoming fear and embracing new tools that can aid in expressing our ideas. Similarly, adopting AI in communication requires us to embrace its potential without fear of losing our unique voice. AI doesn't replace our creativity; it acts as a bridge, helping us communicate complex ideas more effectively.

The Implicit Nature of AI-Assisted Communication

The question arises: will we need to announce when AI has assisted in our communication? The answer is probably not. Just as we no longer state that a message is being sent via email, we won't need to specify that AI helped craft a piece of writing. The medium itself will become implicit. As Sartre points out in Being and Nothingness, our tools and actions are extensions of our existence. What will matter more is the content of the communication—its clarity, relevance, and impact—rather than the tools used to produce it.

Furthermore, as AI becomes more sophisticated, it will adapt to individual styles and preferences, becoming a natural extension of our thought processes. This echoes Thich Nhat Hanh's teaching in Peace is Every Step that mindfulness involves being fully present and aware in each moment. AI, when used mindfully, becomes a tool that enhances our communication without overshadowing our authenticity. It's not about the technology itself but how it helps us convey our true intentions and messages.

Embracing the Future

In embracing AI as a regular aspect of our communication practices, we acknowledge that technology is not replacing the human element but augmenting it. In The Lean Startup, Eric Ries emphasizes the importance of iterative learning and innovation. AI offers an iterative process to refine and improve our communication, allowing us to reach our audiences more effectively. Similarly, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey speaks to the habit of "sharpening the saw"—continuously improving ourselves. AI can be seen as a tool that helps us "sharpen the saw" in our communication practices, enhancing our ability to convey ideas clearly and persuasively.

This evolution underscores a broader cultural shift toward normalizing AI's role in our lives. As it becomes more ubiquitous, the emphasis will be less on the fact that AI is involved and more on the quality and value of the communication it facilitates. As Leo Tolstoy explores in What Is Art?, the value of any form of expression lies in its ability to convey truth and evoke a response. AI, when used effectively, helps us express our ideas more truthfully and resonate more deeply with others.

In the near future, using AI to support the communication of our thoughts will be as natural as hitting "send" on an email. And just as we no longer declare, "I am sending this by email," we will not feel the need to announce AI's assistance. The technology will simply be a part of how we communicate—a silent partner in the ongoing evolution of human expression, helping us, as Epictetus might suggest in The Art of Living, to live and express ourselves more effectively in the world.