Artificial intelligence (AI) has stolen headlines recently as a potential tool to create content.
With online articles praising the benefits of this innovation, those who pen blogs and briefs and get paid by the word are asking: will AI replace writers?
The short answer is that AI hasn’t reached a level where it can replicate what a human writer provides, but this isn’t to say it isn’t useful.
To give a clearer picture of artificial intelligence vs real writers, here we explain the technology, its benefits and shortcomings, and the attributes that a human content writer can contribute that AI yet has the power to reproduce.
Read on to alleviate your worries about AI replacing your role as a writer.
Getting to grips with AI technology
AI is an artificial construction designed to carry out human tasks. To achieve this, the technology mimics human brain processes, creating intelligent software systems.
In AI articles, you’ll often encounter the term “machine learning”. Part of AI, machine learning is technology designed to teach itself automatically, based on algorithms and data provided by users imitating how we, as people, become educated with increased accuracy improved over time.
While AI has been around for more than 20 years, it has advanced considerably during this time. Although AI still requires prompts provided by users, it can now generate text to meet set parameters. As a result, text-focused AI models like ChatGPT that were designed to create writing from human input has risen in popularity, leading many to question whether it could be an alternative to hiring a content writer.
However, those considering such a path are advised to read on to understand the extent of its current capabilities.
Benefits AI brings to the writing process
While AI can’t fully replace what a writer brings, and can’t generate content unless it has a human prompt, it can have value as a support tool. Below, we discuss some advantages writers can enjoy from its use.
Rapid idea generation
Content creators often have a demanding schedule, and even the most imaginative in our ranks can struggle with writer’s block in a constant stream of accepting and submitting blogs.
In such instances, AI can help, generating potential ideas in seconds that can light the spark of a writer’s creativity.
Outline creation
AI can also be useful for creating an outline for articles. Providing that you prompt the tool with relevant details regarding sections, subheadings and word counts, and are prepared to fine tune its efforts, AI might save you time in organising your information.
Basic research
Many writers are asked to create content about topics they aren’t experts on. However, to speak with authority on any subject requires research, and when you’re on the clock, this can be a time-consuming process.
Some content creators use AI to gain a quick overview of their topic, so they can delve deeper into the meat of the matter, but a caveat exists. Always fact-check its findings and ensure the AI tool has used credible sources.
AI writing limitations
While it can act as a writer’s assistant, the limitations of AI make it unlikely to supplant a human creative at present. Here, we look at areas where AI can’t deliver.
Empathy and creativity
AI is still a machine and lacks human empathy and creativity. As result, unassisted, it typically fails to produce writing that an audience can connect with, creating unsuccessful content.
Tone of voice
Writers must often pen content for a specific readership, and are requested to use a specific tone of voice. AI’s understanding of tone of voice is still extremely limited, and only use standard English as a basis. This can make the articles it generates feel cold and unengaging.
Fact checking
Articles created by just AI require extensive checking, especially where facts are concerned. Drawing information from all over the web, it can draw upon incorrect information to produce content, being unaware of the fact that it’s wrong.
Meeting Google guidelines
While keyword placement, meta tags and other SEO (search engine optimisation) can help raise the profile of an article in search engines, Google has updated its requirements.
Its E-A-T guidelines request content that provides Expertise, Authority and Trustworthiness, and AI can’t tick these boxes like a skilled human writer can.
Becoming A Freelance Writer
If you’re a writer seeking to earn money from home creating quality content, at Words of Worth Australia, we can help. You’ll need an excellent command of the English language and be committed to honing your craft in becoming a better writer. You’ll also need a computer and a dependable internet connection to accept, research and submit your finished work.
Stop worrying about AI replacing you, and start building skills no one can take away from you by applying to write for us today.