Questioning AI: Why do we write? Why do we read?

I asked ChatGPT, a new conversational Artificial Intelligence platform, why people choose to read and write, and how it makes them feel.

This is the answer it came up with to the first question: Why do people write?

People write for many different reasons, and the motivations behind writing can vary greatly from person to person. Here are a few common reasons why people write:

To communicate: One of the most fundamental reasons people write is to communicate with others. Writing allows us to express our thoughts, ideas, and feelings in a way that can be shared with others. Whether it’s a personal letter, a business email, or a social media post, writing is a powerful tool for communication.

To document: Writing is also a way of documenting our experiences and preserving them for the future. Whether it’s a diary, a memoir, or a historical account, writing can help us record and remember important events and moments in our lives.

To create art: Writing can also be a form of artistic expression, allowing us to craft stories, poems, or essays that are beautiful, thought-provoking, or inspiring. For many writers, the act of writing itself is a creative process that brings them joy and fulfillment.

To inform: Writing is a powerful tool for sharing information and knowledge. Whether it’s a news article, a scientific paper, or a how-to guide, writing can help us inform and educate others about a wide range of topics.

To persuade: Finally, writing can be a way of persuading others to think or act in a certain way. Whether it’s a persuasive essay, a political speech, or an advertisement, writing can be used to convince others to adopt a certain point of view or take a particular action.

Overall, people write for a wide range of reasons, and the act of writing can be both practical and deeply meaningful. Whether it’s for communication, documentation, artistic expression, information-sharing, or persuasion, writing is a valuable tool that allows us to express ourselves and connect with others.

Next, I asked: Why do people choose to read?

People enjoy reading for a variety of reasons, and the motivations behind reading can vary greatly from person to person. Here are a few common reasons why people like to read:

To escape: Reading can be a way to escape from the stresses and challenges of everyday life. A good book can transport the reader to a different time or place, and allow them to immerse themselves in a compelling story or narrative.

To learn: Reading can also be a way of learning about new topics or gaining new insights into familiar subjects. Whether it’s a non-fiction book, a memoir, or a historical account, reading can help us expand our knowledge and understanding of the world around us.

To connect: Reading can be a way of connecting with others who share our interests, experiences, or perspectives. Whether it’s a novel, a biography, or a self-help book, reading can help us find common ground with others and feel less alone in the world.

To be entertained: Reading can be a form of entertainment, offering a way to relax and enjoy a good story or a well-crafted piece of writing. Whether it’s a mystery novel, a romance, or a science fiction epic, reading can provide hours of enjoyment and entertainment.

To stimulate the mind: Finally, reading can be a way of stimulating the mind and sharpening our mental faculties. Reading can help us improve our vocabulary, our critical thinking skills, and our ability to focus and concentrate.

Overall, people enjoy reading for many different reasons, and the act of reading can be both practical and deeply rewarding. Whether it’s for escape, learning, connection, entertainment, or mental stimulation, reading is a valuable activity that can enrich our lives in countless ways.

As you can see, the AI’s responses were fairly formulaic: a list of five reasons, and then a summary at the end.

Finally, I asked the AI: How do people feel when they read and write? Here’s what it came up with:

The way people feel when they read and write can vary widely depending on the individual and the context. However, here are a few common emotions and experiences that people might have when engaging in these activities:

Reading:

Joy and pleasure: Reading can be a deeply enjoyable activity, offering a way to relax, escape, and experience the thrill of a good story or narrative.

Empathy and connection: Reading can help us connect with others and develop a sense of empathy for characters or situations that are different from our own.

Learning and growth: Reading can be a way of learning about new topics or gaining new insights into familiar subjects, helping us to grow and develop as individuals.

Frustration or disappointment: Reading can also be frustrating or disappointing if the story is not engaging, the characters are not relatable, or the writing is difficult to understand.

Writing:

Satisfaction and accomplishment: Writing can be a deeply rewarding activity, offering a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment when we complete a piece of writing that we are proud of.

Creativity and self-expression: Writing can be a way of expressing our thoughts, ideas, and emotions in a creative and meaningful way.

Frustration or writer’s block: Writing can also be frustrating or difficult, especially when we experience writer’s block or struggle to find the right words to express ourselves.

Reflection and introspection: Writing can be a way of reflecting on our experiences and gaining insights into our own thoughts and feelings. It can also be a way of processing difficult emotions or experiences.

Overall, reading and writing can evoke a wide range of emotions and experiences, and the way people feel when engaging in these activities can depend on many factors, including the individual’s mood, the context, and the specific piece of writing or reading material involved.