Cuban Writer Finds New Path After AI Alters Literary Dreams
Morejon explained that he had submitted a short story to ChatGPT for a technical and literary review. The model acknowledged his competence as a writer but noted that his work was "far from the heights reserved for the literary elite." When he asked the chatbot to edit passages that contained profanity and other "outrageous" language, the platform declined, citing policy violations. Morejon said that the refusal was a direct result of OpenAI’s content‑moderation rules, which prohibit the generation of profanity that could be deemed harmful or hateful. The incident, he noted, made him feel that AI had "killed one of my greatest dreams."
This experience dovetails with a broader conversation about AI’s influence on literature. In March 2026, PEN America hosted a panel titled "Art Under Threat? The Impact of AI on Creative Writing," where authors and researchers debated whether large language models can truly replace human creativity. The panel highlighted concerns about authenticity, authorship, and the potential for AI‑generated text to blur the line between original and assisted work.
Morejon’s reaction also reflects the technical realities of current AI systems. ChatGPT, released in November 2022, uses generative pre‑trained transformers (GPTs) to produce text. By February 2026, the service had reached 900 million weekly active users, according to OpenAI’s public statements. The model’s policy framework, however, restricts the use of profanity and slurs. Recent updates—such as the pause of an "adult mode" in May 2026—underscore the company’s ongoing efforts to balance user freedom with safety and compliance.
Faced with the limitations of AI for his literary pursuits, Morejon pivoted to new media. He now runs two YouTube channels: "Consejos de un Hombre Libre" (Advice from a Free Man), which discusses male mindset, psychology, and relationships, and "El Jugador Libre" (The Free Player), focused on chess. In his diary, Morejon said that the freedom to create content in English—something he could not have done while living in Cuba—has opened a path that might eventually become a source of income.
The shift from traditional writing to digital content creation is not unique to Morejon. Many writers in Latin America and beyond are exploring alternative platforms to reach audiences and monetize their work. The rise of AI tools has accelerated this trend, as creators use generative models to draft scripts, brainstorm ideas, and produce multimedia content.
Morejon’s story also touches on the cultural heritage of Cuban literature. Cuban writers have historically navigated themes of independence, freedom, and social protest, with figures such as José Martí and Nicolás Guillén setting a precedent for politically engaged writing. The current debate about AI’s role in creative fields raises questions about how these traditions will evolve in a digital age.
In conclusion, Morejon’s experience illustrates the complex relationship between AI and creative expression. While generative models like ChatGPT offer powerful tools for drafting and editing, their content policies can limit the authenticity of certain voices. At the same time, AI’s presence is encouraging writers to explore new formats and platforms. The future of literature may therefore involve a hybrid model where human creativity and AI assistance coexist, each shaping the other.