AI adoption across India’s top industries reached 48% in FY2024, with an expected growth of 5-7% in FY25, according to the Economic Survey. In fact, the integration of AI in education has shown remarkable potential and the presence of AI writing tools is increasing. These tools offer valuable help with tasks such as generating ideas and refining grammar.

Although AI tools can significantly improve efficiency, several teachers are concerned that an over-reliance on AI writing tools could hinder critical thinking, hinder learning, and in some cases, lead to academic dishonesty. The question of how much is too much highlights the need for best practices and standards for using these tools responsibly while preserving their originality.

Chaitali Moitra, Regional Director – South Asia, Turnitin shared best practices of using AI tools to improve writing without losing creativity.

Embrace AI as a partner, not a substitute: AI tools should be seen as collaborators rather than substitutes for human creativity. They can help organize thoughts and improve the quality of writing, but the essence of the content should come from the writer’s own ideas and unique style. This combination will lead to more consistent and engaging content.

Establish clear boundaries for AI support: Although artificial intelligence (AI) can help with editing and proofreading, the authenticity and originality of content must remain human-derived.

In India, where the AI ​​market is growing rapidly (estimated to be $7.8 billion by 2025 according to International Data Corporation), it is crucial to set these boundaries in education and content creation in order to to avoid excessive reliance on AI.

Students should learn the importance of using AI responsibly, respecting academic integrity, and ensuring their work reflects their originality.

Review and personalize AI recommendations: AI tools provide valuable suggestions, but editors must critically review and personalize these recommendations to ensure the final content reflects their individual voice, understanding, and purpose.

By personalizing AI-generated input, editors maintain control over tone, language, and intent, ensuring work is aligned with their creative direction.

Use AI for editing, not ideation: AI cannot replace the human contact needed to generate ideas. While AI is great at polishing drafts and organizing thoughts, the initial spark of ideas must come from the writer to preserve originality and creativity. This ensures that the content remains authentic.

Retaining ownership of the writing process: Writers can actively engage with AI as a supporting tool, using it to improve and polish their work rather than allowing it to dominate the writing process. By staying involved from ideation through final edits, writers ensure content represents their creative intent while leveraging AI to streamline and improve copy.

Balance efficiency and creativity: AI can improve efficiency by streamlining certain aspects of writing, such as grammar checks or reformatting. Creativity takes time and attention.

Therefore, writers can balance efficiency and creativity by leveraging AI to balance the mundane aspects of writing and free up time to focus on the learning and writing process. The key is to enable AI to accelerate workflow without sacrificing the authenticity and depth of the work.

Be aware of the capabilities and limitations of AI: AI excels at processing large amounts of data and optimizing certain writing tasks, but it lacks the human ability to generate unique, contextual ideas. Gaining insight into where AI excels, like improving clarity, and where it falls short, like creating deeply emotional or nuanced content, allows writers to leverage these tools effectively without compromising creativity or authenticity.

AI writing tools can improve efficiency, but preserving creativity and original thinking must remain at the forefront. Through strategic and responsible use of AI resources, writers can improve their productivity without compromising their distinctive voice or originality.