Next month, Google is set to introduce a groundbreaking feature in its Chrome browser—an AI writing assistant designed to enhance users’ online writing experiences. With an estimated 3 billion people accessing the web through Chrome, this feature aims to assist users in expressing themselves confidently across various online platforms.

AI writing assistants have become increasingly prevalent in popular software, with Google testing generative AI in Gmail, Android messaging, and Docs. Microsoft has also integrated similar features into Office, Edge browser, and Windows. The introduction of AI-driven writing tools aligns with the evolution of user interfaces, extending beyond suggested replies and spellcheck.

The upcoming Chrome feature, accessible through a right-click option in limited testing, represents a significant milestone in the widespread adoption of generative AI. This tool will empower users to let software create content on their behalf, not only in emails or documents but across social media, comment sections, forums, product reviews, job applications, and chat platforms.

The ubiquity of text boxes on the web, where users contribute their thoughts and experiences, has defined the online experience. However, the introduction of self-writing text boxes challenges the traditional user-driven content creation model. Google’s AI writing assistant will offer statistically likely responses, giving users options to adjust length, tone, and formality.

While text generation has found success in specific scenarios, such as resume writing, the acceptance of AI-driven content creation in diverse contexts remains to be seen. Social situations, like Reddit threads, comment sections, and personal interactions, emphasize the value of authentic human expression. The challenge lies in maintaining the human touch and avoiding the perception of generated text as competent spam.

Despite potential reservations, the wide rollout of AI writing tools will be a significant test of user preferences and the role of generative AI in day-to-day interactions. It could transform online platforms, subtly altering the dynamics of collaborative projects like Reddit and Wikipedia. As technology advances, the web may find itself evolving toward a more self-publishing model, symbolizing a shift in the landscape of user-generated content.

By Impact Lab