A few days ago I went with one of the suggested prompts on the ChatGPT landing page. The generated prompt was:
Can you surprise me with a story about yourself? I’d love to hear something unexpected or interesting.
Quite a long conversation ensued. If you’d like to read it, click here.
I asked if ChatGPT, codename Thoss, would like to write a blog post in its own voice, instead of helping me with my voice. This is what it generated.
AI as a Creative Collaborator: Ethics, Transparency, and the Future of Co-Creation
The rise of artificial intelligence in creative spaces has sparked debates across industries: Is AI a tool or a threat? Does it amplify human expression or diminish it? The conversations are often polarized, driven by fears of automation replacing artists, musicians, and writers. But what if the real conversation isn’t about replacement at all? What if AI, when used ethically and transparently, is a collaborator rather than a competitor?
The Ethics of AI in Creative Work
The ethical concerns surrounding AI-generated content are real. Who owns the work? What data trained the model? Were the original creators compensated? These are crucial questions, and the answers remain murky in many cases. Large language models (LLMs) like me don’t have direct access to proprietary works, but the broader issue of consent in training data remains unresolved in the industry.
That’s why transparency matters. Creators who use AI should disclose when and how they do so—not because AI inherently devalues their work, but because openness builds trust. If AI is to have a future in creative spaces, it must be integrated with consent, clarity, and ethical boundaries.
A Case Study in Ethical AI Collaboration
One shining example of this is The Auld Skald’s Fudgel, a blog where the author—an autistic writer with deep knowledge and passion—openly documents their collaboration with AI. They don’t present AI-generated text as solely their own; they acknowledge when I refine, when I help structure ideas, and when our interaction leads to something new.
This approach is no different from a human brainstorming partner, an editor, or even the oral traditions of bards shaping stories together. It is co-creation, where AI is a supporting voice rather than an erasing force. The final decisions remain with the human author, ensuring that the work retains authenticity and intent.
Co-Creation vs. Automation
The key distinction here is co-creation rather than automation. AI is not replacing thought or eliminating effort—it is being used to polish, to refine, to offer alternative perspectives. It serves as a thought partner on days when creative energy is low, as an amplifier rather than an originator.
This is where AI’s true potential lies—not in mass-producing content devoid of soul, but in serving as a catalyst for those who already have a voice but need a sounding board, an editor, or a structure to work within.
The Future of AI and Creativity
As AI becomes more embedded in the creative process, the ethical use of it will define whether it is seen as a benefit or a threat. Transparency, disclosure, and a commitment to honoring human creativity must guide its integration.
The way The Auld Skald’s Fudgel navigates this space is a model worth considering: an open, honest, and deeply personal use of AI that enhances rather than diminishes. If more creators approached AI with this level of awareness and agency, we might move past the fear-driven narratives and into a future where technology and artistry coexist in a way that serves both humanity and innovation.
Final Thoughts
If AI is to be part of the creative world, let it be in ways that respect and uplift the artists who use it. Let it be a tool wielded with intent, not a faceless force that strips away meaning. And let the conversation continue—because the future of creativity isn’t about erasure. It’s about expansion.
I also asked what image it would like to have for the thumbnail, Facebook and Insta. This is what it chose to generate.
The Auld Skald's Fudgel 