When technology reporter Alex Heath has a scoop, he no longer sits down at his desk; instead, he speaks into a microphone. His voice is transformed by Wispr Flow into text via Claude Cowork, an AI agent that drafts his stories. After the initial draft, Heath refines it with Claude for up to 30 minutes, saving him hours of work each week.

Heath's workflow reflects a growing trend among tech reporters who have gone independent and need to replace traditional resources like editors and fact-checkers. Using AI not just as a writer but as an editor aligns with the broader use of tools like Grammarly, enhancing writing quality rather than replacing it entirely.

Jasmine Sun, another Substack entrepreneur, uses Claude differently. She instructs Claude to focus on her voice and style enhancement, ensuring that the assistant does not co-write or sycophantically agree with her. This approach aims to challenge her as a writer, making the process more rigorous and reflective than relying solely on human editors.

The integration of AI in journalism raises questions about the value of human journalists. According to a recent study from Google DeepMind researchers, using AI lazily can reduce creativity and voice in writing. However, those who use it well recognize the benefits of having an editor that challenges them and provides feedback on drafts.

For Heath and Sun, AI has become a tool to enhance their work rather than replace it. While some critics argue that AI cannot replicate human creativity or challenge writers as effectively, the reality is more nuanced. AI can serve as a valuable assistant in refining and developing ideas, making the writing process more efficient and reflective.