The new digital literacy: why ‘learn to write’ Is replacing ‘learn to code’
In recent years, the mantra of “learn to code” dominated career advice. Internet trolls even used it as a rebuke when newly-redundant individuals – usually from the creative industries – let their social networks know that they’d just lost their job.
Coding bootcamps and digital literacy initiatives proliferated, all driving the message that mastering STEM skills was the key to future job security and prosperity. However, the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI), especially large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, has started to shift this paradigm. As the founder of JustFix, I’ve witnessed firsthand how AI is reshaping our approach to technology and workforce skills. Today, I suggest that as AI continues to advance, the new imperative for success is not just “learn to code” but “learn to write.”
Coding: from necessity to redundancy?
Coding has long been seen as a critical skill for navigating the digital economy. This emphasis was based on the premise that as technology permeates every aspect of our lives, those who can build, modify and control it would hold a significant advantage. Indeed, coding remains a valuable skill. However, the emergence of advanced AI capable of writing code itself is challenging this assumption.
With AI-driven tools now able to generate code, optimise algorithms and even troubleshoot errors, the role of human coders is evolving. We’re approaching a point where basic and even some advanced coding tasks can be delegated to AI. For example, GitHub’s Copilot, an AI-powered code assistant, helps developers write code faster by suggesting whole lines or blocks of code. Such advancements suggest that while coding knowledge will remain beneficial, the actual practice of coding may no longer be the sole domain of human expertise.
The rise of the humanities
As AI systems become more proficient in performing technical tasks, the demand for distinctly human skills is rising. The focus is shifting towards the ability to understand, articulate, and reason – skills traditionally nurtured by the humanities. Peter Thiel, co-founder of PayPal, recently highlighted this shift by stating that AI could be “much worse for math people.” He points out that while the job market for those with maths skills could be at risk, there will be more opportunities for those with strong verbal skills. This suggests that as AI handles more of the technical workload, the ability to think critically and communicate effectively will become increasingly valuable.
The humanities, encompassing fields such as philosophy, literature, and communication, equip individuals with the skills to interpret complex information, understand human behaviour and engage in ethical reasoning. These skills are crucial in the age of AI, where machines can process data but lack the nuanced understanding and emotional intelligence that humans bring to the table. Perhaps one of the key aspects of AI, then, is that it shows us what it can’t do – and makes clear what we have to offer.
Currently the skills that AI doesn’t have – but which students of, say, English, History and the arts do are:
· Presentation: The ability to captivate an audience, deliver compelling speeches and create engaging gatherings. These are uniquely human talents AI can’t replicate.
· Creativity: AI often oscillates between the mundane and the absurd. Human creatives don’t just imitate or passively absorb data – they build something new.
· Unorthodox thinking: AI excels at conventional predictions. But stand-out ideas are born from cultivating diverse and contrarian perspectives.
AI and the need for effective communication
AI expert Bron Eager, Senior Lecturer at the University of Tasmania, describes this as the ‘humanities advantage’.
“Humanities education prioritises transferable skills applicable across fields. This includes critical thinking, sophisticated communication, cultural awareness, creativity, and complex problem-solving – all crucial for prompt engineering,” she says.
Prompt engineering, the art of crafting precise and effective prompts to guide AI behaviour, has become a key skill in leveraging AI capabilities.
In practical terms, this means that those who can articulate their needs, define problems clearly and communicate complex ideas succinctly will be at a significant advantage. The ability to write and communicate effectively will not only enhance one’s ability to work with AI but also to lead in an environment increasingly shaped by AI-driven decision-making.
Interestingly, Eager points out that the former division between the ‘two cultures’ of science and the humanities, identified by British scientist and author C.P Snow – a division that he saw as a handicap to solving the world’s problems – could now be coming together.
“I suspect we’ll see interdisciplinary programs integrating computer science and humanities rise,” she says. “Joint majors, research initiatives, and shared courses teach complementary skill sets for well-rounded students prepared to excel in AI roles.”
This requires collaborations between technical and non-technical disciplines that that are complex to build but essential for progress. Indeed, a report by the Harvard Business Review found that firms achieve the most significant performance improvements when humans and machines work together as human-machine teams (HMTs).
Preparing for the Future
So, how can we prepare for this shift? For starters, educational institutions need to broaden their focus. While STEM education remains important, there should be a renewed emphasis on the humanities. Moreover, businesses should recognise the value of a balanced skill set. A hybrid approach ensures teams can leverage AI tools effectively while also bringing a human perspective to problem-solving and innovation.
The intersection of technology and humanities
Because this isn’t just about enhancing AI interactions; it also enriches the innovation process. The humanities provide a framework for understanding the societal impacts of technology, fostering ethical considerations and promoting inclusive design. For instance, understanding cultural contexts can help tech companies create products that resonate globally rather than just locally.
By valuing the insights and perspectives provided by the humanities, companies can navigate the complexities of AI development more effectively. This includes addressing ethical dilemmas, ensuring user privacy, and avoiding biases that might arise from purely data-driven approaches.
Embracing a new era of skills
As AI takes over more technical tasks, human skills in communication, critical thinking and ethical reasoning will become increasingly vital. JustFix is already adapting to this new reality, and I encourage other leaders to do the same. By fostering a workforce skilled in both the sciences and the humanities, we can harness the full potential of AI while maintaining the distinctly human touch that drives true innovation and progress.
As we move forward, let’s not just equip ourselves with the technical tools of today, but also the communicative and creative tools that will define the success of tomorrow.