Content Creation and A.I.
Isaiah O’Connor
a 10 minute read
As I mentioned earlier, I've started incorporating AI into my content creation efforts, although not as the sole creator of my content. The use of AI for content creation has become somewhat controversial, and understandably so.
My wife walked into my office, noticing me logged into Chat GPT, immediately concerned that I was using A.I. She didn't understand how I was using it and assumed I was being lazy, merely letting A.I. write my content. Of course, I don't do this, and after explaining how I utilize it, she understood.
Misuse of A.I.
Now, she did bring up a valid point. MSN used A.I. to generate content when NBA Player Brandon Hunter suddenly passed away; the headline the A.I. generated was "Brandon Hunter useless at 42," and the article was also mangled.
This is a poor use of A.I. It appears that MSN sought to reduce time and money; however, this backfired spectacularly. People were angry, leading to the takedown of the article. But this is not surprising. As AI develops and improves, more people will use it to save time and money, and on a surface level, I do not blame them. There is no problem in using a tool to save time and money, and A.I. is a tool. The problem arises when anyone misuses any tool.
A.I. as a tool
For instance, a kitchen knife is exceptionally useful when used properly. Certainly, mistakes can happen, like cutting yourself, but that is just a danger of normal use. However, take that same kitchen knife and use it to commit a crime, and you have a different use for the same tool. I see A.I. in a similar light. It can be easily abused, as in the example I provided, letting it do your work with little to no input from the user.
Another use I find problematic is when people install AI chatbots on their websites, attempting to make them seem human by programming them to interact as if they were humans on the other end, not robots. I have no issue with an A.I. Chatbot that openly declares its artificial nature. The crux lies in the intent to deceive. Along those lines, using A.I. to fully create content without clearly labeling it as A.I. Generated is also deceptive.
In my view, these are instances of people misusing A.I. technology, and it puts people off from using it. It initially dissuaded me from using it, as I've mentioned, and had a similar effect on my wife.
Proper Use of A.I.
Is there a proper use for A.I.? I firmly believe there are proper and, most importantly, ethical ways to leverage A.I. So, let's delve into it.
Before proceeding, a slight caveat: I'll primarily address the use of AI image generators and text-based A.I., such as Chat GPT, as these are the areas where I have the most experience.
A.I. Capabilities
Now, let's explore the capabilities of Chat GPT, the tool central to my content creation. According to Chat GPT, it can:
Answer Questions: Providing information on a wide array of topics.
Language Translation: Assisting with basic language translation.
Content Creation: Generating creative writing, aiding in brainstorming, and assisting in drafting articles or stories.
Coding Assistance: Providing help with programming-related queries, debugging code, and offering guidance on coding concepts.
Learning Assistance: Aiding in learning new topics by explaining concepts, providing examples, and offering study tips.
Conversation: Engaging in casual conversation on various subjects.
Problem Solving: Assisting with problem-solving, offering solutions, and approaches to different challenges.
Writing and Editing: Helping to draft, edit, or refine written content.
Now, let's delve into each capability individually.
Applications of A.I.
Answering questions using AI for queries is a great research tool. It's excellent for quick research and obtaining prompt answers; however, its reach and understanding can be limited. For instance, as a balloon artist, I have a vested interest in helium and the current supply problems and solutions. The AI did not know about the latest find in Tanzania. So, for quick questions, it's useful, but not for intricate details.
Language Translation Challenges with A.I.
Regarding language, A.I. encounters challenges akin to other translation programs. While it adeptly performs translation tasks, it tends to translate words verbatim, potentially missing nuanced meanings or cultural context. This limitation becomes evident, especially when dealing with idiomatic expressions, colloquialisms, or phrases with cultural connotations. The AI's literal translation approach may result in output lacking the natural flow and context awareness crucial for accurate and contextually relevant translations. It is imperative to approach A.I.'s language translation capabilities with an awareness of these nuances and be prepared to review and refine the output for a more polished and contextually appropriate final result.
Content Creation with A.I.
Content creation is where I find A.I. most valuable. I don't use it to write my content entirely, but rather, I ask for ideas and assistance in creating different formats. For instance, I use it to take my blog post and reformat it into a podcast script that I can loosely follow. I also use it to transform my writing into a LinkedIn post with a link, and then instruct it to create an additional post using the same content but keeping it under the 240-character limit. It proves highly useful for generating cross-platform content. However, it's crucial to note that all of this is based on my original draft content.
Coding Assistance with A.I.
Coding assistance is another facet of A.I.'s capabilities. I'm not heavily involved in coding anymore. However, for simple coding tasks like HTML or Java, you can ask it to generate a short code that you can use. This is particularly helpful for someone like me who hasn't engaged in significant coding for around 20 years, aiding in adding elements to my website.
Learning and Conversation
While I haven't utilized A.I. as a learning assistant, my experimentation with it has unveiled its possibilities. I have used it to research topics of interest, and while it's helpful, it's not always 100% accurate.
As for its conversational feature, it's something you can explore if you're exceptionally bored, but I haven't extensively used this function. Time constraints prevent me from engaging in conversation with a machine just for the sake of it.
Practical Problem Solving
I've found A.I. to be a valuable resource for practical problem-solving. For example, it assisted me in calculating the travel cost from my residence to a job site. This involved determining how much fuel I would use, considering the current fuel prices, accounting for any tolls along the way, and factoring in the cost of paying an employee their hourly wage for the duration of the trip. This comprehensive approach ensured that my price quotations for gigs not only covered the basic expenses but also accounted for the various nuances involved in the journey.
Writing and Editing Assistance
Lastly, one of my most significant uses of Chat GPT is in writing and editing. I rely on it to create drafts of fairly standardized items, such as a job application based on my CV and the job ad. While I am adept at expressing my ideas and writing content like stories, when it comes to tasks like crafting advertising copy for my business, I tend to encounter writer's block. Chat GPT proves exceptionally helpful in overcoming this hurdle.
It assists in generating initial drafts, which I then meticulously edit and refine. This two-step process ensures that the final output is clear, understandable, and tailored to the specific language and tone required for my target audience.
Moreover, when creating content with multiple paragraphs, I find it useful to conduct a paragraph-by-paragraph edit. This approach allows me to maintain a cohesive flow and ensure that each section resonates effectively. Additionally, I find that A.I. can help me refine the voice and style of my writing, not just correct spelling and grammar errors.
Image Generation with A.I.
I haven't extensively explored image generation with A.I., but it can prove useful when you have a concept you want to present visually and lack the artistic talent to do it yourself. For example, in creating images for blog posts where high-level graphics aren't necessary, AI image generation can be a valuable tool. However, a crucial warning is to avoid using AI-generated images to deceive people.
Striking a Balance with A.I. in Content Creation
In conclusion, the integration of AI in content creation demands a delicate balance. Recent instances of misuse, exemplified by MSN's horrific headline, emphasize the importance of ethical considerations. A.I., akin to any tool, requires a judicious approach. While its capabilities, spanning from answering questions to content creation and problem-solving, offer valuable assistance, a discerning eye and human touch remain crucial. A.I. should be viewed as a complement to human creativity, not a replacement.
Conclusion:
While its capabilities, spanning from answering questions to content creation and problem-solving, offer valuable assistance, a discerning eye and human touch remain crucial. A.I. should be viewed as a complement to human creativity, not a replacement.
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Your Friendly Neighborhood Entrepreneur
Isaiah O’Connor.
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Your Friendly Neighborhood Entrepreneur,
Isaiah O’Connor