Google I/O recently showcased its AI-powered writing assistant, which aims to help users draft polished, professional emails. However, this attempt to enhance communication might backfire, turning emails into bland, formulaic, and less engaging exchanges.
The AI assistant, dubbed "Help me write," restructures simple Gmail prompts into more refined paragraphs of text. While this may seem like a step towards better communication, the resulting text often misses the mark, delivering watered-down messages that lack the essence of good writing.
Good writing captivates with a unique voice and provides insights into the author's thoughts and feelings. While AI can potentially aid in creating compelling prose or summarizing data, Google's AI assistant leans towards a more formulaic approach, diluting the impact of human expression.
One example from the Google I/O event demonstrated how the AI assistant transformed a brief, genuine job application message into a longer, less authentic-sounding paragraph. This not only removes the human touch but also perpetuates a one-size-fits-all approach to communication, which could make email exchanges less exciting and more monotonous.
Moreover, AI-generated text lacks the commitment and cultural nuance that human writing conveys. As AI becomes more prevalent, users may come to expect machine-generated responses, further devaluing the effort behind well-crafted emails.
In conclusion, Google's AI Assistant may inadvertently make email communication less engaging by generating bland, boilerplate text. For a more vibrant future, it's essential to embrace the diverse ways in which people communicate and preserve the human touch in our digital interactions.
