What stance should technical writers take regarding the use of "I" in their writing?

In technical writing, the approach typically taken is to maintain a formal and objective tone, which often leads to the recommendation of avoiding the use of first-person pronouns such as "I." This is because technical documents aim to provide clear and unbiased information to the reader, focusing on the content rather than the writer's perspective or personal involvement. Using "I" may introduce subjectivity and could detract from the professional tone expected in such documents.

By steering clear of the first person, technical writers help ensure that the material is perceived as credible and authoritative, which is particularly important in contexts where the information provided must be reliable, such as manuals, reports, and formal documentation. Therefore, maintaining this level of objectivity often means rejecting the use of "I" in favor of more neutral language that centers on the subject matter.