Why Is Writing Important? (feat. ChatGPT)

In a recent study, 53% of the readers failed to identify ChatGPT-written content as AI-written.

Now, you might think “Okay, I’ll just use ChatGPT for writing and there’s no need to enhance my own writing skills.”

Well, it’s actually the opposite: improving your writing abilities has become even more important to take advantage of AI tools like ChatGPT.

Your ability to utilize ChatGPT is limited by the extent of your writing skills

I asked ChatGPT to write a short paragraph about why going to a good school matters. Here’s what ChatGPT said:

If you possess writing skills, you can 1) notice that this paragraph sounds like ChatGPT 2) have an idea of how to modify this paragraph to align with your essay 3) evaluate the paragraph to determine what to incorporate or exclude in your essay.

If you lack writing skills, you will struggle to understand how to incorporate ChatGPT-generated content into your writing.

In other words, ChatGPT will amplify the gap between skilled and unskilled writers. It becomes even more essential for us to refine our writing skills.

Everything starts with writing

Your favorite YouTuber is probably a competent writer. A well-crafted script is essential for any YouTube video to achieve millions of views.

For example, if you watch this viral video by Mark Manson on his trip to Korea, it becomes apparent that he’s an extraordinary writer (which he is!).

In virtually every industry, the highest earners often possess exceptional writing skills. Warren Buffett is known for the amazing quality of his annual shareholder letters and so is Jeff Bezos.

Securing admission to your dream school heavily depends on your essays, which account for an estimated 40-50% of the admission criteria.

All the skilled software engineers and data scientists I've encountered, both at Harvard and in the professional environment, excelled in articulating their ideas and justifying their reasoning through written communication.

Writing improves your critical thinking skills

Research suggests that the pervasive use of technology hampers the ability of the new generation to develop critical thinking skills.

While I strongly believe that it’s not your fault if you haven’t had a chance to develop critical thinking skills, we must develop them.

Critical thinking empowers individuals to solve problems effectively, make rational choices, and engage in productive discussions.

For example, let’s say you write an article about the negative impact of social media on youth.

You’ll research scholarly articles and papers, contrast various viewpoints, and present data to support your argument. This stage is crucial, as it forces you to question assumptions, recognize biases, and consider the complexity of the issue beyond surface-level opinions.

In addition, you won’t just lay out facts in your essay. You will develop a structured and logical essay framework, ensuring that each paragraph systematically builds upon your thesis.

Through the process of writing, revising, and defending your thesis, you're engaging in a form of active learning that sharpens your ability to analyze information critically.

This skill—developed and honed through writing—is invaluable not only in academic settings but also in everyday decision-making and problem-solving scenarios.

Everyone is a content creator. Content creation starts with writing

Nike believes everyone is an athlete. I believe everyone will become a content creator. 

In today’s digital and hyper-competitive age, a resume is insufficient for showcasing your skills and capabilities. Your essay might not be sufficient for your college application.

To truly stand out and be noticed, it's essential to establish a strong online presence through your content.

Creating a personal website, starting a blog, engaging on social media networks, or launching a YouTube channel is vital for demonstrating your expertise and talents. The foundation of all these platforms is strong writing skills. 

By actively managing and contributing to these platforms, you not only enhance your visibility but also affirm your role as a knowledgeable and skilled professional in your field.

Writing skills are underrated compared to quantitative skills

In the era of AI and a growing focus on quantitative competencies such as coding, statistics, and mathematical modeling, the significance of writing skills is often overlooked.

According to Inc.com, 73.4% of employers want a candidate with strong written communication skills.

Moreover, businesses are increasingly recognizing the direct correlation between writing proficiency and workplace efficiency. Poor writing skills not only hinder communication but can also lead to misunderstandings, errors, and inefficiencies that adversely affect the organization.

The simplicity and fundamental nature of writing skills often lead to their undervaluation, overshadowing their critical importance in effective communication and idea expression.

Conclusion

Why writing is important

1. To fully leverage the capabilities of ChatGPT

2. High-performers in most fields are great writers

3. Writing improves your critical thinking skills

4. Everyone is a content creator. Content creation starts with writing

5. 73.4% of employers want a candidate with strong writing skills

Writing not only amplifies our ability to leverage technological tools like ChatGPT but also enhances communication and critical thinking.

From securing opportunities in education and the workplace to enabling effective problem-solving and content creation, the path to truly standing out and making an impact lies in honing our writing skills.