Language models have become powerful tools for writers, offering opportunities to enhance both the ideation and execution phases of writing. There are two main ways to use these tools when creating a text.

The first approach involves using the language model as a brainstorming partner. It acts as a sparring partner to help you come up with ideas, content, or themes. In this case, the model supports your creative process, but you write the final version of the text yourself.

The second approach is different. Here, you take the role of the idea generator. You think of the key themes, solutions, and content, then ask the language model to craft the final text based on your input. It assists with the actual production of the polished version.

Interestingly, there’s something of a divide in how these two approaches are viewed. One of these methods tends to face criticism, while the other is widely accepted. The brainstorming method, where the writer maintains control over the final output, is often seen as the “right” way to use such tools. In contrast, letting the model write the finished text tends to draw questions about creativity, originality, and over-reliance on technology. It’s an interesting cultural reflection: does the process of writing matter more than the result, or is the content itself what truly counts?

At the heart of this conversation lies that very question. What is most important in writing—what is written or how it’s created? Should the process define its value, or is it the final message that matters most to the reader? For example, is originality tied to the way the text is shaped, or is it about the ideas and substance behind it, no matter how it’s written?

Ultimately, the answer might depend on the context. Perhaps the method of collaboration isn’t as important as the intention behind the work and the quality of the message. Whether you use a language model as a brainstorming partner or a full-fledged writing assistant, the value of your writing will always lie in its ability to connect with the reader.