# Investigating Writing Professionals' Relationships with Generative AI: How Combined Perceptions of Rivalry and Collaboration Shape Work Practices and Outcomes

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2602.08227 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2602.08227/

## Key facts

- Cited by 2 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- Builds on 21 of its 135 references that are in the map.
- First posted on arXiv 9 Feb 2026.

## Builds on (most cited first, 21 of 21)

- [Generative Agents: Interactive Simulacra of Human Behavior](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2304.03442/) (2023)
- [Co-Writing Screenplays and Theatre Scripts with Language Models: An Evaluation by Industry Professionals](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2209.14958/) (2022)
- [Generative artificial intelligence enhances creativity but reduces the diversity of novel content](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2312.00506/) (2023)
- [From ChatGPT to ThreatGPT: Impact of Generative AI in Cybersecurity and Privacy](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2307.00691/) (2023)
- [Participation is not a Design Fix for Machine Learning](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2007.02423/) (2020)
- [Appropriate Reliance on AI Advice: Conceptualization and the Effect of Explanations](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2302.02187/) (2023)
- [Fast and Eager k-Medoids Clustering: O(k) Runtime Improvement of the PAM, CLARA, and CLARANS Algorithms](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2008.05171/) (2020)
- [The HaLLMark Effect: Supporting Provenance and Transparent Use of Large Language Models in Writing with Interactive Visualization](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2311.13057/) (2023)
- ["If the Machine Is As Good As Me, Then What Use Am I?" -- How the Use of ChatGPT Changes Young Professionals' Perception of Productivity and Accomplishment](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2404.12549/) (2024)
- [`It is currently hodgepodge'': Examining AI/ML Practitioners' Challenges during Co-production of Responsible AI Values](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2307.10221/) (2023)
- [ABScribe: Rapid Exploration & Organization of Multiple Writing Variations in Human-AI Co-Writing Tasks using Large Language Models](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2310.00117/) (2023)
- ["It would work for me too": How Online Communities Shape Software Developers' Trust in AI-Powered Code Generation Tools](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2212.03491/) (2022)
- [From Pen to Prompt: How Creative Writers Integrate AI into their Writing Practice](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2411.03137/) (2024)
- [Governance of Generative AI in Creative Work: Consent, Credit, Compensation, and Beyond](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2501.11457/) (2025)
- [Overcoming Algorithm Aversion: A Comparison between Process and Outcome Control](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2303.12896/) (2023)
- [Generative AI in Knowledge Work: Design Implications for Data Navigation and Decision-Making](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2503.18419/) (2025)
- [Development in times of hype: How freelancers explore Generative AI?](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2401.05790/) (2024)
- [Making the Write Connections: Linking Writing Support Tools with Writer's Needs](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2502.13320/) (2025)
- [Discerning minds or generic tutors? Evaluating instructional guidance capabilities in Socratic LLMs](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2508.06583/) (2025)
- [AI Rivalry as a Craft: How Resisting and Embracing Generative AI Reshape Writing Professions](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2503.09901/) (2025)
- [Beyond Replacement or Augmentation: How Creative Workers Reconfigure Division of Labor with Generative AI](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2505.18938/) (2025)

## Built on by (most cited first, 2 of 2)

- [Beyond Compliance: How AI Could Help Creative Writers by Refusing Them](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2605.16272/) (2026)
- [Concerns and Strategic Responses of Older Workers Navigating Generative AI in Bridge Employment](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2606.07543/) (2026)

## Abstract (arXiv)

This study investigates how professional writers' complex relationship with GenAI shapes their work practices and outcomes. Through a cross-sectional survey with writing professionals (n=403) in diverse roles, we show that collaboration and rivalry orientation are associated with differences in work practices and outcomes. Rivalry is primarily associated with relational crafting and skill maintenance. Collaboration is primarily associated with task crafting, productivity, and satisfaction, at the cost of long-term skill deterioration. Combination of the orientations (high rivalry and high collaboration) reconciles these differences, while boosting the association with the outcomes. Our findings argue for a balanced approach where high levels of rivalry and collaboration are essential to shape work practices and generate outcomes aimed at the long-term success of the job. We present key design implications on how to increase friction (rivalry) and reduce over-reliance (collaboration) to achieve a more balanced relationship with GenAI.