Navigating the impact: a study of editors’ and proofreaders’ perceptions of AI tools in editing and proofreading

Abstract

Abstract Human editors and proofreaders now face a new, and possibly serious, challenge: the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) tools that some consider to be as efficient and precise as experts in editing/proofreading. This research aims to investigate editors’ and proofreaders’ perceptions of current AI tools. It examines whether editors/proofreaders view AI as an opportunity or a threat and considers their insights into the future of AI tools for them. The study collected qualitative data through email questionnaires from 17 professional editors and proofreaders purposively appointed from a society of professional editors and proofreaders in Egypt. The results revealed that the responses regarding AI for editors and proofreaders are generally mixed, with a range of both positive and negative perspectives. Some responses highlight the opportunities and benefits that AI tools can bring, such as increased efficiency, time-saving, and improved productivity. Others express concerns about potential threats, such as the possibility of AI replacing humans, ethical considerations, and the need for continued human involvement in the editing/proofreading process. Overall, the attitudes toward AI tools for editing and proofreading reflect a paradoxical view of the technology’s impact on the field. The active engagement and participation of editors and proofreaders are essential for the successful implementation of AI technologies in editorial contexts.

Keywords

• Artificial intelligence
• Editors
• Proofreaders
• Perceptions
• Technology
• Challenges