Don’t Be Afraid to Use AI… Just Use It Ethically

As a proofreader, I’ve seen a rising trend: more and more people turning to AI to generate their work. Some pieces come to me clearly copied and pasted, while others show a little effort to reword or restructure. And every time, I find myself asking the same question: Is this really wrong?

The answer isn’t black and white. It’s not wrong to use AI, it’s how you use it that makes all the difference.

There have been moments where I’ve stared at a blank screen, fingers frozen, waiting for the words to come. That familiar writer’s block creeps in and refuses to budge. In those moments, AI has been a lifesaver, a silent collaborator offering ideas, structure, or even just a gentle nudge in the right direction. It doesn’t replace me, but it helps guide me.

Sometimes we get stuck

Artificial Intelligence is truly remarkable. It can help improve grammar, suggest better ways to phrase things, and even mirror your tone. It’s like having a 24/7 writing buddy, always ready to brainstorm, outline, or spark creativity. And let’s be honest, sometimes that’s exactly what we need.

But here’s the thing; AI doesn’t understand you. It doesn’t know your story, your voice, your experiences. It doesn’t feel frustration, passion, joy, or vulnerability. And that’s where the line is drawn.

When we copy and paste AI-generated content without thought, care, or connection, we’re not just shortchanging our work , we’re disconnecting from our own creative power. We start to lose the raw, imperfect, honest voice that makes writing human.

Maintaining your integrity is key

Using AI isn’t cheating. It isn’t lazy. It’s a tool, just like a calculator or a spellchecker. But if we want to use it with integrity, we need to remember a few things:

1. Use it to brainstorm, not to replace your thinking.
2. Rewrite it in your own voice. Make it sound like you.
3. Check the facts ; AI can sound confident and still be wrong.
4. Be honest if you’ve used AI to help, especially in school or work.
5. Add your story. Your experiences. Your heart. That’s what makes writing real.

You are not a robot…. Keep your human touch

In a world full of AI-generated content, your humanity is your greatest asset. Your values, your insights, your sense of humour, your struggles, no machine can replicate that. And that’s exactly what people connect with.

So go ahead and open that AI tool when you’re stuck. Let it help you think, structure, or smooth out a messy paragraph. But don’t hand over the wheel completely. Stay in the driver’s seat. Let yourself drive.

Guess what?

AI isn’t going anywhere. It’s becoming part of how we live, work, and express ourselves. But that doesn’t mean we have to give up what makes us human.

So no , don’t be afraid to use AI. Embrace it. Just use it ethically. Use it mindfully. Use it in a way that lets your voice shine through.

The world doesn’t need perfect writing. It needs honest voices. It needs you.