Ethical AI Use
How I use AI to enhance communication
I think of AI as a tool—much like a polaroid camera. When I write, my thoughts often start as intricate, layered concepts. Like a photographer choosing the subject, angle, and moment, I decide the ideas, connections, and direction of my work. AI helps me quickly put those thoughts into words, allowing me to focus less on vocabulary, grammar, and syntax and more on what matters: communicating my deepest ideas with you, the reader.
Without this tool, the process of “painting” each sentence—carefully crafting every sentence—could slow down my ability to share ideas. But my purpose in writing is not to showcase linguistic acumen; it’s to make my thoughts and arguments accessible, clear, and actionable. AI helps me refine structure, clarify language, remain concise (I once wrote a 16-page comparative essay in high school), and test for coherence, while the underlying ideas, logic, and intent are always my own.
My process:
Drafting and refining: My writing often begins with complex thoughts and layered prose. I use AI to help simplify structure, improve clarity, and ensure my ideas are effectively communicated without losing their depth or nuance.
Refine and organize my ideas: I use AI to test my concepts for logical and rational coherence, and overall structure, ensuring my work communicates as effectively as possible.
Quickly creating multiple versions: When discussing complex subjects, I use AI to create both a “Quick Take” and a “Deep Dive” to offer you, the reader, greater flexibility for consuming my content.
Fact-check for historical and contextual accuracy: AI serves as an assistant to perform initial validation of historical events, timelines, and references. However, every fact is ultimately researched and verified by me to uphold accuracy and accountability.
Why this matters:
I’m mindful that AI, like any tool, can be misused. It’s no substitute for human thought, creativity, or accountability—and it shouldn’t be treated as one. For me, AI is a facilitator, not the creator. The thoughts, ideas, concerns, arguments, and suggestions you find in this Substack—as well as the tone in which they’re delivered—are the value I seek to bring you. The words through which they are delivered are but a “polaroid picture.”
To share my process transparently, below is an article followed by the full AI “conversation” involved with its creation, that you may see how it was created. My goal is to remain clear about how this technology supports my writing while ensuring that the authenticity and integrity of my work remain intact.
If you have questions about my use of AI—or want to share thoughts on its role in writing—feel free to reach out. Honest conversation about AI matters, and I’m committed to using AI ethically and transparently to bring you my best work.