Stanford professor Jamil Zaki argues for the importance of teaching students to write, despite the rise of AI and tech-free classrooms. Zaki highlights three key reasons: the necessity of writing in the workplace, the detrimental impact of AI-generated 'textual pollution', and the cognitive benefits of writing. He emphasizes that writing is a vital skill for students to develop, as it fosters critical thinking, improves memory, and provides a deeper understanding of one's thoughts. Zaki warns against the dangers of 'cognitive surrender' to AI, where individuals allow machines to do their thinking for them, leading to shallower and lower-quality arguments. He encourages students to embrace the act of writing as a way to connect with others and engage in meaningful communication, rather than simply producing output. Zaki's perspective highlights the importance of human connection and the value of written expression in an increasingly AI-driven world.
