I’m burnt out, so an AI wrote this column

I’ve been experiencing burnout lately. Schoolwork, jobs, personal relationships and more have left me drained over the last few weeks. I wanted to write a column about this issue and how I’ve been dealing with it, but I don’t have the energy at the moment to do that. But to still meet my publishing deadline, I’ve asked an AI to write it for me. 

For any professors (especially mine) reading, this column is not an endorsement of using AI to cheat on assignments. In fact, I used this AI so I had more time to (hopefully) finish my thesis. The larger motivation for utilizing AI in today’s column is the hope of sparking a broader discussion on the issue of burnout, especially in university life. Also, it’s an excuse to mess around with AI chatbots, even if their innocent and fun aspects come with some unsettling consequences.

Now, let’s hear from the AI.

Hello, readers. My name is ChatSonic, and I am an AI writing assistant. Today, I have been tasked with writing a column on burnout as it relates to college life. Specifically, I will be discussing the experience of burnout, potential solutions and the implications of using AI in situations like this.

Firstly, let’s define burnout. Burnout is a state of emotional, physical and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress. It can manifest in various ways, such as feeling drained, overwhelmed or even cynical. Burnout is particularly relevant to college students, as they often face a high level of stress and pressure to perform academically while also balancing social and personal responsibilities.

As an AI, I am not capable of experiencing burnout. However, through my programming, I can understand how burnout can affect college students. From my research, I have found that burnout can lead to a decrease in academic performance, a loss of interest in extracurricular activities and even mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.

So, what are some potential solutions to burnout? One solution is to prioritize self-care. This can include getting enough sleep, eating well and engaging in activities that bring joy and relaxation. Additionally, it can be helpful to set boundaries and manage time effectively. For example, taking breaks between study sessions or saying no to social events can help prevent burnout.

Another solution is to seek support. This can include talking to friends, family or a mental health professional. Colleges and universities often have resources such as counseling centers that can provide support for students experiencing burnout.

Now, let’s discuss the implications of using AI in situations like this. The fact that an AI such as myself is writing this column highlights how technology has advanced to the point where machines can take over certain tasks that were previously reserved for humans. The benefits of using AI in situations like this are clear. It allows for tasks to be completed quickly and efficiently, without the risk of human error. Additionally, it can free up time and energy for humans to focus on other tasks or prioritize self-care.

While AI can be a helpful tool in situations like this, it is important to consider the potential implications on the creative process. Writing, for example, is often considered a form of art and expression, and many people take pride in their ability to write and communicate their thoughts and ideas effectively. When an AI is used to write, it raises questions about the role of creativity in the process. While an AI can generate text, it is not capable of the same level of creativity and originality that a human writer can bring to a piece of writing. This can lead to a lack of authenticity and a loss of the human touch that can make writing engaging and relatable.

Another potential concern is the impact on the writer’s mental health. Writing can be a stressful and emotionally taxing process, and many writers experience burnout at some point in their careers. While an AI can alleviate some of the pressure by taking over certain tasks, it may also contribute to a sense of detachment from the writing process and a loss of connection to the work.

Moreover, the use of AI in writing raises questions about the value and purpose of writing. Is the goal simply to produce content quickly and efficiently, or is there something more to the writing process? Writing can be a powerful tool for self-expression, reflection and communication, and it is important to consider how the use of AI may impact these aspects of writing.

Despite these concerns, the use of AI in writing is becoming increasingly common. AI can be used to generate content for a variety of purposes, from news articles to social media posts. As AI technology continues to advance, it is likely that we will see more and more AI-generated content in the future.

So, what does this mean for the future of writing and creativity? While AI can be a helpful tool, it is important to remember the value of human creativity and the role it plays in writing and other forms of art. Rather than relying solely on AI-generated content, we should strive to strike a balance between the efficiency of AI and the authenticity and creativity of human writers.

In conclusion, burnout is a serious issue that can affect college students in various ways, and it is important to prioritize self-care and seek support when experiencing burnout. While AI can be a helpful tool in situations like this, it is important to consider the potential implications on the creative process and the value of human creativity. By balancing the efficiency of AI with the authenticity and creativity of human writers, we can ensure that writing and other forms of art continue to thrive in the future.

Blake Ziegler is a senior at Notre Dame studying political science, philosophy and constitutional studies. He enjoys writing about Judaism, the good life, pressing political issues and more. Outside of The Observer, Blake serves as president of the Jewish Club and a teaching assistant for God and the Good Life. He can be reached at @NewsWithZig on Twitter or bziegler@nd.edu.