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Everyone who has ever tried writing an essay or a blog knows that there are two parts of the writing process—the inner one and the outer one. If you were to ask any writer what makes them good at it, they would probably tell you their passion for writing does all the work. And that, of course, is false. Before getting to that sweet middle phase of converting your thoughts into words, certain technicalities, like doing your research, fact-checking, and building your reputation, are unavoidable.
Luckily, with today’s technology, writing a well-researched and factual piece has become so much easier. But is there a downside to this convenience, and what does it mean for our creative writing?
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What Does Technology Mean for Student Learning?
The technology of today is invaluable for anyone who wants to learn. To have all that information and time-saving applications always available at our fingertips is something that used to be unimaginable up until recently. And while it’s human nature to seek out progressively easier and quicker methods to perform a task, the use of technology could ultimately hinder our skills. And this certainly applies to education and writing as well.
A good example is a new trend of using AI-powered software that does the writing for you. If you’re a college or university student, you’ve probably heard of it. And who can blame you, really; the pressure of deadlines can be absolutely exhausting. For example, sometimes seeing a sentence or two, or even a couple of essay examples is all you need to kickstart your inspiration and remove writer’s block. Going through free essays often comes in handy, so don’t underestimate this lifehack. You might need just a few simple ideas written by somebody else to inspire you with your essay.
Pros of Using Technology in Writing
What is a technology for, if not for making our lives easier? Let’s get into the obvious reasons why technology is helpful and is genuinely improving our writing.
Research and Fact-Checking
With the possibility of conveniently searching through an enormous database using search engines, the time we save is immeasurable. This also amplifies the need for critical thinking and choosing your sources wisely.
Self-Assessment
A healthy dose of competition is necessary for a writer. How could you assess your writing ability if not by reading others’ work? This has also become easier with the technology of today and an abundance of public pieces readily available.
Building Your Reputation as a Writer
Sometimes the contents of your work are less important than the name written under it. Social media and the internet make it more convenient than ever to find a community of like-minded individuals and solidify your standing as an independent writer.
AI Can Help with Inspiration
While the use of AI isn’t recommended at all, there are some ways to make use of it without having your words completely butchered.
On the whole, the technology in itself is not a threat to your ability or the quality of your work. But the way you choose to use it is.
Cons of Using Technology in Writing
While being helpful in many regards, technology can have a destructive effect on our writing abilities.
It Makes Us Lazy
The convenience that technology provides can take away our chance of developing ourselves. Over time humans can lose their natural talents if we keep on depending on technology.
Increases Chances of Plagiarism
Just because someone’s thoughts are readily available online doesn’t mean that we should parrot them. Unfortunately, this can happen involuntarily – if we’re constantly consuming others’ work and not producing our own, we can fall into a dull habit of repeating words that are not our own.
Conclusion
Writing a well-thought-out piece on something is a clear sign that you understand that subject. That is if you’ve written it yourself. While technology can save time, we would normally spend while researching, citing sources, and seeking feedback, it should not replace the act of writing itself. The relationship between humans and technology is a two-way street: one side shouldn’t depend on the other too much, or they both lose their point.
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