As a technical writer with nearly two decades of experience, I’ve witnessed firsthand the evolution of tools that aim to make our jobs easier. Tools such as simple word processors and content management systems have made publishing and managing our content easier than ever before. AI-driven grammar checkers provide a helpful hand when it comes to proofreading.
Generative AI poses a whole new set of pros and cons that every technical writer should pay close attention to. The tool that could cut the time and effort of drafting a documentation outline could also be a tempting, cost-saving solution for employers.
So, is generative AI a threat to technical writers? The answer to this is more nuanced than it seems.
Generative AI is a Tempting Alternative to Human Writers
Generative AI, like ChatGPT or Bard, promises to automate content creation. This isn’t just for simple blog posts or news summaries, but its capabilities are quickly growing in the direction of technical writing. These tools can analyze code and bullet-point notes to generate a fleshed-out set of documentation that isn’t far from what a professional writer could create.
I was recently told by someone I know who works in management at a large software company, “Most readers don’t notice the specific American English rules and typos that human writers dwell on. Generative AI is creating content that is on par with outsourced writing talent, and that’s good enough for the vast majority of readers.” I’m paraphrasing the exact quote, but the sentiment was clear. The kind of content generative AI produces is good enough, and when cost-saving solutions are in high demand, generative AI is a tempting alternative to human writers.
From a cost-saving perspective, it’s easy to see why companies might gravitate toward generative AI. Why hire a full-time writer or a team of contractors when an AI tool can churn out documentation 24/7 without requiring a paycheck, benefits, or breaks? For many managers, the answer is a simple “no.”
What This Means for Technical Writers
The rise of generative AI poses a precarious situation for professionals like us. Let’s break down some of the challenges:
- Perceived Replaceability
Many decision-makers may see generative AI as a viable alternative to human writers, particularly for tasks they view as “routine” or “repetitive,” like documenting an API or writing onboarding guides. This perception could lead to fewer job openings and increased competition for remaining roles. For writers, this low demand also means lower pay. - Devaluation of Expertise
Technical writing isn’t just about stringing words together; it’s about understanding complex systems, asking the right questions, and presenting information in a way that is not only accurate but accessible. AI often lacks the nuance and critical thinking required to handle edge cases or anticipate user confusion. While it may be capable of parsing human words, it isn’t quite caught up with the human mind. None of this matters on the surface, however. For many businesses, having documentation that meets the user’s needs 80% of the time is good enough to put a less-skilled writer on staff at a lower wage to “babysit” the AI. - Quality Concerns
While AI-generated content can be impressively coherent, it’s far from perfect. It often lacks the depth and precision of a human writer’s collaboration with subject matter experts. Over-reliance on AI could result in documentation that’s error-prone or detached from real user needs—a potential liability for businesses. As the old saying goes, “Garbage in, garbage out.” - Shift Toward Editing Roles
Some foresee technical writers transitioning into editorial roles, reviewing and refining AI-generated drafts rather than creating content from scratch. While this could sustain employment for some, it also risks diminishing our work’s creative and analytical aspects, making the role feel less fulfilling for those who enjoy crafting content. Proofreading is not why most writers get into the profession.
Staying Relevant in the AI Era
The good news is that technical writers still have a critical role in this changing landscape. Here are some strategies to stay ahead:
- Embrace AI as a Tool, Not a Threat
By learning to work alongside AI—using it to automate tedious tasks or generate initial drafts—we can enhance our productivity and focus on higher-value activities like usability testing and information architecture. Leverage the AI’s time-saving features to increase productivity as a contributor and make yourself more valuable to the company that way. It’s much harder to eliminate someone who has increased productivity and delivered proven results. - Diversify Skills
Building skills in areas like UX writing, instructional design, or content strategy can help technical writers remain indispensable. Expertise in tools like DITA, XML, and structured authoring will set you apart in an increasingly automated environment. Many writers also expand their skillset into light development work such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, etc. This makes it a lot easier to pivot along with industry needs. - Advocate for Human Oversight
As AI becomes more prevalent, so does the need for humans to ensure content aligns with brand voice, user needs, and ethical considerations. Highlighting the importance of this oversight can reinforce the value we bring to the table. AI is only as good as the human-crafted content it is fed. At some point, humans must step in when errors have echo-chambered their way into the AI’s output. - Educate Employers
Many organizations don’t fully understand what technical writers do. By clearly articulating our value—our ability to clarify complexity, anticipate user pain points, and create intuitive content—we can combat the misconception that AI alone can do the job. Every technical writer should see themselves as an evangelist for technical writing within their companies. Stay visible and prove to the higher-ups that your value is far greater than any graph can chart.
The Path Forward
Generative AI is undoubtedly reshaping industries, and technical writing is no exception. While it’s easy to feel uneasy about the changes it brings, it’s important to remember that technology is only as effective as the people who use it. Technical writers are nothing if not adept at mastering new technologies. If we stay ahead of the technology, we will continue to serve an indispensable part of the industry.