Automatic Against the People: Reading, Writing, and AI (www.unemployednegativity.com)

A recent debate at a university highlighted concerns over the use of AI and Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT in educational settings. The critical stance presented argues against the automation of reading and writing in the classroom, emphasizing that these skills are foundational to developing critical thinking and comprehension. The author draws parallels between different forms of media and communication, illustrating how the act of reading intrinsically teaches writing and, by extension, critical thought—something that visual or auditory media cannot replicate in the same way. This discourse underscores the potential "proletarianization" of thought, a term borrowed from philosopher Bernard Stiegler, which refers to the loss of essential skills and knowledge due to reliance on automated technologies. While LLMs promise efficiency and creativity in producing text, the author warns that outsourcing these intellectual processes may stunt cognitive development and diminish the nuanced understanding that comes from engaging deeply with written materials. The implications for the AI/ML community are profound as they challenge the narrative that automation in educational contexts leads to improved outcomes, urging a reconsideration of what it means to truly learn and think.