Introduction: AI Won’t Save Us—But Writing Might
Writing isn’t just a skill; it’s survival. In a world inundated with noise and distractions, writing carves out a space for clarity, identity, and power. Arianna Rivera, a high school writer at 826 Boston, describes it best: “I am a place with no final destination. Abundant is the sky . . .” Writing isn’t a task—it’s an unyielding, transformative force.
But here’s the problem: writing isn’t at the party. And it should be. Schools are embracing shiny AI tools like ChatGPT without a real conversation about how writing itself—the raw, messy, human process—remains irreplaceable. Writing isn’t just a way to communicate; it’s how we learn to think, to question, and to challenge the status quo. If we let AI take the wheel without asking hard questions, we risk losing something vital: the authentic voice of a generation.
So, here’s the challenge: What would happen if we demanded more? What if we put writing back at the center of every classroom, not as an afterthought or a casualty of technological progress, but as the foundation of education itself?
Students Are Using AI—But Not the Way You Think
Our survey of over 1,000 students across the United States reveals the truth: ChatGPT isn’t replacing writing—yet. Most students (77%) report that they haven’t even used it. But for those who have, it’s not the doomsday scenario you might imagine. They’re using it to brainstorm, outline, and revise—not to cheat or cut corners.
But here’s the thing no one wants to talk about: students don’t trust the system. Some are afraid to admit they’ve used AI, fearing it’ll brand them as cheaters. Others simply don’t know the rules of engagement. This fear and confusion disproportionately affect students of color and those from underserved schools, deepening the equity gap that already exists in education.
We’ll say it loud: AI in the classroom is inevitable, but it must never replace the hard work, grit, and creativity that real writing demands. Let’s not fall into the trap of using tools like ChatGPT as shortcuts. Instead, let’s teach students to use these tools to amplify their voices—not replace them.
The Numbers That Should Wake You Up
Of the 22.7% of students who’ve used ChatGPT, nearly half (48.3%) used it for brainstorming, outlining, or generating examples. About a third (31.1%) used it for revising their drafts. Less than 10% admitted to using it to write entire assignments from scratch. The message is clear: students are looking for support, not a way out.
And yet, 6.6% of students who indicated they hadn’t used ChatGPT went on to describe ways they actually had. What does this tell us? Some students, especially students of color and younger students, may be scared to admit they’re engaging with AI. They may not know if it’s allowed or how to use
it responsibly.
Students’ write-in responses to “Have you used ChatGPT?”
“I didn’t use it, I’m a good, honest, kid.”
—Student, Grade 8
“I haven’t cuz I’m scared.”
—Student, Grade 10
When comparing students who initially indicated they did not use ChatGPT with those who did, we see a noticeable difference. Students who indicated that they did not use ChatGPT often described using it to write or draft assignments, more so than students who initially acknowledged their use of the tool. These students are in fact using ChatGPT to replace the process, which should alarm educators.
| No, I have not used ChatGPT (n = 67) | Yes, I have used ChatGPT (n = 228) | |
|---|---|---|
| Student of Color | 90.3% | 74.9% |
| Elementary | 17.9% | 9.9% |
| Middle School | 53.7% | 38.4% |
| High School | 28.4% | 55.3% |
Statistically significant difference for all comparisons. See Appendix.
Students need more guidance. When we’re unclear about the role of tools like ChatGPT, we’re failing our students. We’re leaving them in a grey area where fear impedes growth. We’re not alone in this fight for a balanced approach to incorporating AI as a supplemental tool. Common Sense Media and the
AI Pedagogy Project at Harvard provide resources and strategies for discussing ChatGPT with students and for using it in ethical ways that support meaningful learning and development. This is just a start.
Implications: Writing Is Everything
The survey findings make one thing clear: writing is as much about the process as the product. The writing process helps students learn to think critically, express themselves authentically, and build confidence in their ideas.
But let’s not ignore the elephant in the room. The current system doesn’t give writing the attention it deserves. Teachers lack the time, training, and resources to teach it well. Students—especially those from underserved communities—aren’t given equitable access to the tools they need to succeed. And AI is stepping into that void.
We have a choice: let AI take over, or reclaim writing as the vital, human skill it is. This choice isn’t about banning ChatGPT. It’s about teaching students how to use it meaningfully—as a supplement to their writing journey, not a replacement for it.
A Challenge to Educators, Policymakers, and Students
Let’s stop tiptoeing around the issue. Writing is nonnegotiable. It’s the foundation of critical thinking, creativity, and self-expression. And it’s being pushed aside.
Are you inviting writing back to the party? If time and resources are barriers, platforms like 826digital.com offer ready-made tools to bring writing to life in your classroom. Don’t let lack of preparation be the reason students miss out on learning how to write authentically.
Writing education isn’t a luxury—it’s a right. Funding for equitable access to writing instruction must be prioritized. Are you doing enough to ensure every student has the tools to write their future?
Your voice is your power. Don’t let AI or anyone else write your story for you. Write boldly. Write fearlessly. Write something that makes people uncomfortable. That’s how change starts.
Conclusion: The Future of Writing is Now
Writing isn’t polite. Writing isn’t safe. It’s bold, messy, and unapologetically human. And it’s time to put it back where it belongs: front and center.
This is a call to action. Invite writing back to the party. Demand more from our classrooms, our policies, and ourselves because writing is the transformative tool shaping strong thinkers poised to write a way forward right now and for years to come. Let’s build a future in which every student has the tools, support, and courage to write their story—and change the world.
What’s stopping you? The pen is waiting.
