PlainGeets

This morning, while going through the AI newsletters in my inbox, I came across this article published last week in the New Scientist.

“Click-bait much?” was my first thought, and I couldn’t really find out if the article had much substance since I am not a paid subscriber. But what I read was enough to get me thinking. The preference for AI-generated poetry over classics by Shakespeare and Dickinson is part of a larger trend—one that reveals how simplified consumption, fuelled by both technology and evolving tastes, is shaping how we think and engage with the world.

Let’s start with literature. Over the decades, poetry and literature have become more direct and accessible. The meteoric rise of figures like Rupi Kaur—whose Instagram-ready verses reflect emotions in a distilled, digestible form—is evidence of this shift. Graphic novels, too, have surged in popularity, blending visuals with text for instant impact. While they’re innovative and engaging, they often prioritise immediacy over layers of meaning. AI-generated poetry fits seamlessly into this trajectory. With straightforward themes and simple structures, it resonates with a generation accustomed to consuming short-form content—a format optimised for scrolling, not savouring.

On the other hand, classic literature was never meant to be simple. It demands effort. Shakespeare’s plays, though meant for the masses, weave rich metaphors that require decoding. Dickinson’s brevity invites reflection, not immediate comprehension.

These challenges foster critical thinking—a skill vital for the future of work. However, reliance on simplified forms of literature risks:

• Superficial Engagement: Quick gratification replacing deeper thought.
• Weakened Analytical Skills: Students accustomed to direct content may struggle with nuanced arguments or layered meanings.

If this becomes the norm, a generation may lose the ability to think beyond surface-level narratives. Does this mean that critical thinking is in jeopardy?

And what about systems thinking, which thrives on understanding connections—between characters in a novel, themes in poetry, or even events in history? Classics have always been an exercise in seeing the big picture:

• Linking an author’s work to their historical context.
• Tracing recurring motifs across multiple texts.
• Synthesising different perspectives into cohesive insights.

Simplified consumption undermines these cognitive habits, leading to a focus on linear, fragmented thinking. In an interconnected workplace, where decisions often ripple across multiple systems, this could be a costly gap. This shift toward simplification didn’t begin with AI. Gen Z has been gravitating toward content that is bite-sized, visual driven and emotionally immediate. The popularity of AI-generated poetry is merely an extension of this pattern. It delivers instant clarity and connection, bypassing the intellectual labor that classics demand.

As workplaces grow more complex, critical and systems thinking are becoming indispensable. These skills enable:

• Strategic Decision-Making: Seeing how individual actions affect the whole.
• Creative Problem-Solving: Drawing connections between seemingly unrelated ideas.
• Team Collaboration: Understanding diverse viewpoints and motivations.

Without these skills, students may struggle to navigate ambiguity and adapt to change—key requirements in dynamic industries.

Do We Need to Worry?

While the trend toward simplified literature is concerning, it’s not irreversible. The key lies in reframing how we teach and consume content:

1. Use AI Generated Content as a Gateway: It can act as an entry point, drawing students into the world of literature. From there, educators can guide them toward more challenging works.
2. Rebalance Simplicity with Complexity: Classroom discussions can blend short-form poetry with classics, encouraging comparisons that deepen understanding.
3. Teach Cognitive Skills Explicitly: Beyond content, students need tools to think critically and synthesise information. AI content offers a perfect opportunity to practice analysis.

Here’s an example of a classroom activity:

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Critical and systems thinking remain the foundation of creativity and leadership. If we prioritise these skills, students will not only adapt to an AI-driven world but thrive in it.

The future of work, like the future of literature, demands a thoughtful blend of simplicity and sophistication. The choice is ours to make today.