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.