In recent years, the proliferation of generative artificial intelligence (AI) has significantly transformed content creation across various platforms. Substack, known for its newsletter ecosystem that empowers independent writers to connect directly with their audiences, has encountered the inevitable intersection of AI and writing. While cofounder Hamish McKenzie has eloquently articulated that the emergence of AI in writing is a transformation that writers must navigate, the platform currently lacks an official stance on the use of AI technologies. This article will explore how Substack authors utilize AI, the societal implications of such dependencies, and the broader context of AI in content generation.
The perspective taken by many Substack writers is that AI serves more as a facilitating companion in the writing process rather than a standalone solution. For instance, David Skilling, the CEO of a sports agency and author of the widely-followed soccer newsletter Original Football, embraces AI as a form of editorial enhancement. His view encapsulates a broader trend among writers who opt for AI tools not to replace their creativity but to augment their effectiveness. This approach highlights a nuanced understanding—AI-detection tools may flag content based on its origin, yet those who leverage AI argue that their interactive applications do not equate to outright replacement.
Subham Panda, another prominent Substack author, articulates this further by noting that AI helps his team quickly curate content, predominantly for creating visuals and aggregating data. Panda emphasizes that the human element remains crucial, as writers are tasked with constructing narratives that distill intricate information into engaging writing. This collaborative interaction between AI and the writer fosters enhanced productivity while ensuring that quality and detail remain intact.
The revelation of AI-enhanced workflows reveals a new paradigm of writing. Max Avery, a contributor to the financial newsletter Strategic Wealth Briefing, uses AI tools like Hemingway Editor Plus to refine his drafts, ensuring clarity and fluency in technical writing. This trend is echoed in financial fields, where entrepreneurs like Josh Belanger employ AI applications like ChatGPT for the writing process. Belanger meticulously crafts his initial thoughts and utilizes AI primarily for organization and grammar refinement, showcasing how AI can streamline the often laborious task of technical communication.
Belanger’s practice of creating customized versions of AI tools tailored to specific content areas signals a higher engagement with AI technologies. By prompting AI with sector-specific language and contextual insights, he mitigates the risks of inaccuracies—known as “hallucinations”—in AI outputs. This engagement between human expertise and machine efficiency marks an evolution in the writing craft, where technological literacy becomes as crucial as the writing itself.
When held against the backdrop of other content platforms, Substack reveals a relatively conservative approach in adopting AI for writing. Analyses from AI-detection firms indicate that while Substack authors selectively employ AI, nearly 40 percent of content on competitor Medium is generated through AI tools. This disparity raises questions about the integrity of authored content and the implications for readers who rely on authenticity and human insight. In times where AI-written articles flood digital spaces, the essence of trusted storytelling becomes paramount.
Substack’s minimalist approach to AI offers a fresh perspective in the content creation narrative, positioning the platform as a space where authors remain deeply involved in their writing. This adherence to human oversight potentially enhances reader trust and distinguishes Substack as a bastion for genuinely crafted narratives in a sea of AI-generated noise.
The future of writing in the age of generative AI presents a mixed landscape. Substack authors, often leading the way in innovative engagement with their audiences, navigate this transformation cautiously, leveraging AI as a powerful adjunct rather than a replacement. As AI technologies continue to evolve, the relationship between writers and these tools will undoubtedly reshape the nuances of storytelling and content creation on platforms like Substack. Maintaining a discerning eye—where automation supports creativity while preserving the integrity of human expression—will define the future of writing in this rapidly changing digital age. The challenge lies in achieving a harmonious balance, preserving the essence of the written word amidst technological advances.