Can Human Creativity Thrive in the Age of AI? This Media Startup's Bold Bet on Will Writing

2025-05-21
Can Human Creativity Thrive in the Age of AI? This Media Startup's Bold Bet on Will Writing
The New York Times

The rise of artificial intelligence has sent ripples of uncertainty through countless industries, and the world of creative writing is no exception. Will AI eventually replace human writers? A new startup, Every, believes the answer is a resounding no. They're making a significant bet – a $2 million bet, to be precise – that the unique power of human creativity, specifically in the realm of 'will writing' (personalized storytelling and content creation), will not only survive but thrive alongside AI.

But what exactly *is* will writing in this context? Every isn't talking about legal wills that dictate asset distribution. Instead, they're referring to the art of crafting compelling narratives, personalized stories, and unique content experiences tailored to individual users. Think personalized birthday messages that feel genuinely heartfelt, custom bedtime stories for children, or even unique travel itineraries that reflect a person's specific interests and passions. These are the kinds of creative outputs Every is focused on, and they believe AI, while powerful, can't replicate the nuanced emotional intelligence and authentic human touch required to truly resonate with audiences.

The company’s founder recognized a growing desire for authentic connection in an increasingly digital world. While AI can generate text quickly and efficiently, it often lacks the spark of originality, the ability to understand subtle emotional cues, and the capacity to inject personality into its creations. Every aims to bridge this gap by combining the speed and efficiency of AI with the creativity and emotional depth of human writers.

Every’s business model is built on a fascinating hybrid approach. They leverage AI to streamline the writing process, handling tasks like research, outlining, and basic drafting. However, human writers are then brought in to refine, personalize, and inject the crucial emotional elements that elevate the content from generic to genuinely engaging. This collaborative model allows them to deliver high-quality, personalized content at scale.

The $2 million in funding, secured from prominent backers including Reid Hoffman, the founder of LinkedIn, speaks volumes about the potential of Every’s vision. Hoffman's investment underscores the belief that even in an AI-dominated future, there will be a strong demand for human-crafted content that resonates on a personal level. He clearly sees the value in a company that prioritizes human creativity and leverages AI as a tool to *enhance* – not replace – human capabilities.

Every’s approach isn't about fighting AI; it's about working *with* it. They recognize that AI can be a powerful ally for writers, freeing them from tedious tasks and allowing them to focus on the creative aspects of their work. By embracing this collaborative model, Every is positioning itself to be a leader in the emerging landscape of personalized content creation – a landscape where human creativity and artificial intelligence coexist and complement each other. The question remains: will other media companies follow suit, recognizing the enduring value of human storytelling in the face of relentless technological advancement?

Ultimately, Every’s bet on will writing is a bet on the enduring power of human connection. It’s a reminder that even in the age of AI, authenticity, emotion, and personalized storytelling will remain invaluable assets.

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