I've used AI to scaffold a greenfield app and to turn rough notes into polished blog posts. Both times, people called it out as inauthentic. But most software is derivative. Most writing rehashes existing ideas. We've always stood on shoulders. So what's the actual line? Does originality require the idea to be yours, the execution to be yours, or both? Is AI-assisted work fundamentally different from using Stack Overflow, templates, or a ghostwriter?
Synthesized Answer
Based on 2 community responses
The concept of originality is complex and has evolved over time. With AI-assisted work, the line between original and derivative becomes blurred. While AI can generate novel combinations of existing ideas, the question remains whether the output is truly original if the input is based on existing data. One perspective is that originality lies not in the tool used, but in the human judgment, creativity, and intent behind it. AI can be seen as a collaborator, much like a human co-author, rather than a replacement for human originality.
Key Takeaways
Originality is not solely defined by the tool used, but by human intent and creativity
AI-assisted work can be seen as a collaboration, similar to human co-authorship
The value of AI lies in augmenting human capabilities, not replacing them