# Statement on AI Usage

- Link: https://mkarsenault.com/2026/08/27/statement-on-ai-usage/
- Published: 2026-08-27T17:02:00+00:00
- Author: M.K. Arsenault

_On using AI responsibly, admitting when I do, and why I still won’t turn on Pangram_

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Generative AI has been around for years and comes in many forms. Most of the time,
people use AI without even realizing it. Siri, Cortana, Alexa—all AI, just in different
packages. When I came to Substack, I never imagined I’d encounter such passionate
crusaders for righteousness in the form of Anti-AI advocates or people who decry
AI Slop whenever it appears. While AI certainly has its place, there are times when
its usage is inappropriate, so it’s crucial that when we use it, we do so responsibly
and with intention.

As a software engineer who works primarily in AI systems, I see both the merit and
dangers of AI. I often caution people that using AI in certain fields—like writing—
can stifle the creative process. The technology is powerful, but it can also flatten
the unique voice that makes creative work compelling. I’ve seen a lot of content
on Substack that is AI-assisted, fully AI-generated, and some work where I think
AI would actually be helpful. Regardless, I believe the usage should be a personal
choice, and whether rightly or wrongly, that choice should be respected.

#### Where I draw my own line

I personally don’t use AI in my writing. If I did, it would pull me toward the safe
zone where characters don’t get the comeuppance they so richly deserve. The algorithm
wants smooth edges and predictable arcs, and that’s not how I write.

I _do_ occasionally employ AI in an editorial capacity, and narrowly at that. Since
I write primarily in first person present tense, “tense slippage” can happen from
time to time, so ensuring a document maintains consistency throughout is where AI
excels. I’ve also used AI to generate character names and locations, and for research
purposes. For example, in _All the Time in the World_, I gave Jackson the background
of Navy helicopter pilot—I needed to know what his rank would be, the time it takes
to warm up a chopper, and that the “stick” used to move the chopper’s rotors is 
called the “Collective”. I didn’t know these details off the top of my head, and
to remain factually accurate, AI came in clutch.

Now, while I respect people using AI in whatever form they choose, I don’t respect
those who use it and then lie about it. That’s disingenuous and undermines trust
between creator and audience. But again, I’m not here to call anyone out or shame
anyone.

#### **Where the images and video come from**

When it comes to images and video, some images come from various X, BlueSky, and
other social accounts. I don’t claim ownership of those. Some images and videos 
are generated using AI. The tools I use for generating these include ChatGPT, OpenArt.
AI, Venice.AI, Google Veo, and similar platforms.

#### **Why I **won’t** turn on Pangram**

As far as the AI software Pangram that Substack employs, I never intend to turn 
that on. We already live in a world where most of our creative work is stolen, scraped,
or used in various capacities including AI training, and as someone who works in
this field, I see and can vouch for the dangers. Utilizing a detection tool like
Pangram doesn’t totally mitigate that risk, but it does add a layer of exposure 
that I’m not willing to accept. So while I personally choose not to participate,
I still want to be transparent with you as much humanly possible—did you see what
I did there.

Happy reading, folks.

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