I challenged ChatGPT to a writing competition. Could it actually replace me?

‘My heart sinks. It sinks while I’m laughing, a terrible feeling.’ Photograph: Alicia Canter/The Guardian, Frame by Mathieu Labrecque

Every writer I know is in despair at the prospect being replaced by AI. Many of them say they never use it on principle; I know all of them do.

So this week, as part of my AI diary, I’m conducting the forbidden experiment in plain sight. I’m going toe to toe with ChatGPT as a creative writer. Can it truly match me, and might it replace me? Let’s settle this.