The History of Technical Communication and the Future of Generative AI

This article addresses the critical intersection of generative AI technology and Technical and Professional Communication (TPC) practices, highlighting the urgent need for scholarly inquiry into its implications for learning, research, and workplace environments. Drawing on key conversations within TPC history, including iteration and process, theory and agency, actors and activity, and social justice, this article delves into the ethical and social ramifications of generative AI adoption. By revisiting these conversations, and framing current and future work, we aim to showcase the tools and perspectives necessary to navigate the evolving landscape of communication design with a focus on vigilance and justice. Through this exploration, TPCs must consider TPC's ongoing role in ensuring the ethical and inclusive integration of emerging technologies into both scholarly and practical contexts.