Is this #ChatGPT, Dhilip? ??

Ever since I can remember, writing poems for my friends’ birthdays has been a tradition—a small but meaningful way to celebrate and connect. During the pandemic, to celebrate my better halfs' (CS Maithreyi) milestone birthday, i wrote a song and composed it along with my friends? Radhika Ravi and Janani sukumar. The process was truly liberating!

Recently, I dusted off this side of mine at a farewell event for a dear colleague and penned a heartfelt poem. The feedback was overwhelming; it felt great!

But the most common question that followed was, “Did you use ChatGPT for this?” ??

It struck me then — the future challenge of differentiating between human creativity, AI-collaborated outcomes, and pure copy-paste is REAL!

Honestly, my first worry was, how will my 5 year old show his authentic self?

In a world where AI-generated content is projected to account for as much as 90% of online content by 2026 (according to Gartner), this line is becoming increasingly blurred.

On the one hand, AI tools offer incredible possibilities for brainstorming and creativity enhancement. But on the other, it raises important questions:

• What will creativity look like when AI can mimic human style so closely?
• How do we preserve authenticity when the “handwritten” touch can be simulated with a click
• Will the personal nuances, the heart, and the genuine connection in our creative expressions be lost in the noise?

In the recent LinkedIn Talent Connect Asia edition, Aneesh Raman Chief Economic Opportunity Officer at LinkedIn shared insights on how the future of work is changing and evolving at a rapid pace. What caught my attention was the emphasis in his presentation on skills for the future. And guess what topped the list, SOFT SKILLS! one that differentiate Human from AI (at least as of now?).

Below is an attempt based on my recent experiences to spotlight Real, AI assisted and borrowed piece of work.

Tips for Making Your Real Work Shine in the Age of AI:

1. Highlight Your Creative Process:

Share the journey behind your work—what inspired you, the challenges you faced, and how you arrived at your final piece. Storytelling about the process adds depth and context that AI-generated content often lacks.

2. Acknowledge AI as a Tool, Not a Creator:

If you use AI to brainstorm ideas or refine your content, give credit to it. For example, “This idea was inspired by a brainstorming session with ChatGPT,” or “I used AI to refine some points.” Transparency builds trust and showcases your role as the driving force behind the creativity.

3. Focus on Personal Experience and Authentic Voice:

Incorporate personal anecdotes, unique perspectives, and emotions that AI cannot replicate. Your experiences, memories, and reflections give your content a unique flavor and authenticity that machines simply can’t emulate.

4. Be Mindful of Plagiarism and Originality:

Use AI ethically by ensuring that it enhances your work rather than replaces it. Always cross-check and refine AI-generated content to align it with your personal style and message. Plagiarism detection tools can also help ensure originality.

5. Embrace Collaboration:

View AI as a collaborator rather than a competitor. Use it to spark ideas, enhance your creativity, or gather data, but let your human touch complete the story. This way, your work becomes a unique blend of human insight and AI efficiency.

Interesting times ahead, indeed. Let’s continue celebrating the blend of human creativity and AI collaboration, but also take a moment to appreciate the uniquely human touch that an algorithm can probably never replicate.

What are your thoughts on this evolving space between AI and creativity? Have you encountered a similar experience like mine? Would love to hear your thoughts.