The explosion of AI usage in recent years has transformed it from a novelty into an integral part of our daily toolkits. From grade schoolers to state actors, AI's ability to generate content at scale and undetectably is undeniable. But does this capability cheapen the content it helps create? I'd argue it doesn't.

Some view AI assistance as "cheating," assuming it makes producing quality content effortless. This perspective misses a crucial point: excellence in any field—be it gymnastics, ice curling, or content creation—always demands hard work. AI simply shifts the nature of that work.

When we encounter soulless, overlong writing, it's tempting to blame the AI, but that's like faulting a pen for poor penmanship. The real issue lies with the creator who deemed such output acceptable. It's reminiscent of those who discovered PowerPoint transitions and proceeded to obscure their message with flashy effects. It's easy to get distracted by the allure of new technology. The core challenge remains: conveying a message effectively.

The backlash against AI-assisted content likely stems from a sampling bias. We notice the poor examples because they stand out, while skilled AI users fly under the radar. This skews our perception of AI's impact on content quality.

There's no definitive answer to what's appropriate here. Only society will decide over time. However, I'd bet on widespread deployment and acceptance in the future. The only question is how quickly we'll get there.

As we navigate this transition, let's focus on the fundamentals: clear communication, purposeful creation, and measuring our output by its effectiveness in conveying our intended message. AI is just another tool—it's how we use it that truly matters.