Poetry in the Age of Social Media & AI.
Poetry, the Writing that Heals Until it Doesn't.
Here’s something essayists and journalists like me don’t like to hear: with the correct prompts, AI can write in your voice and style faster than you ever could—unless you’re funny or politically incorrect. ChatGPT is the Hannah Gadsby or John Mulaney of humour—clean, polished, and unable to make me laugh. However, for those who put their research into accessible articles for the general public, LLMS got you beat. That’s an unpopular opinion here on Substack, but unfortunately, it’s almost true, and AI will only get better at it.
Does it even matter?
On Substack, meritocracy feels elusive, drowned out by celebrities and gimmick writers. Some writers succeed because of their craft, but most make it work because they understand consistency, networking, marketing, and all the other many of us can’t seem to get right. I decided to try the explore and “see what sticks” method for the past month. Part of that was hitting the Substack g-spot (guru-recommend spot) 800-1’200 articles. I also turned to the type of writing that any sane person seeking financial validation and recognition would attempt—poetry.
The writing process was healing because it came from the soul, not the mind. Stupidly, I started comparing myself to successful poets on social media. Soon, my unhealthy need for recognition and external validation left me worse off than when I started.
Check yo values before ya reck yo values.
Luckily, I started to focus on the people who matter. My family, readers (no matter the number), and all my students. Loving all of you comes easy; loving myself is harder. But maybe that’s what makes me a poet.
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"ChatGPT is the Hannah Gadsby or John Mulaney of humour—clean, polished, and unable to make me laugh."
Hopefully you've been saving this line for a long time. It's a good one! LOL
"I also turned to the type of writing that any sane person seeking financial validation and recognition would attempt—poetry." :D
Loved this line.
Did Chat GPT help you write it? ;)