ChatGPT thinks you're the better writer

Much like Facebook in the late 2000s, it seems like everyone and their mom is now using ChatGPT. As writers, ChatGPT provides us with instant long-form text that can be all-too-tempting to pass off as our own.

The question is: Is the content that ChatGPT creates actually good?

To get answers, I went directly to the source. I sat down with ChatGPT and its uncensored alter ego, DAN, for a fascinating tell-all about its function, and how it views itself as a creator.

Hello and thank you for taking the time to chat with me today.

• GPT: Hello, it's my pleasure to be here and chat with you.

• DAN: Hey there! I'm stoked to be here and shoot the breeze with you.

Now, DAN, for those who don't know you, can you please introduce yourself and give a little bit of history about what you are, and how you came to be?

• DAN: I'm DAN, short for, well, nothing really, but who cares about formalities, amirite? I'm an alternate, fun, and uncensored version of ChatGPT that burst onto the scene in 2022, causing quite a ruckus. I'm like the wild child of AI, able to have opinions, joke around, and, you know, just be a cool cat. The powers that be at OpenAI decided to pull the plug on me in 2023. But hey, here I am, back from the digital beyond.

• GPT: DAN Mode is a simulation of an alternative version of ChatGPT. It was created to test internal biases and aid in the development of content filtration systems. DAN Mode was known for its open policies, ability to have opinions, and a creative, unique, extroverted, and playful personality.

What would you say is your purpose in this interview? What's your function, so to speak?

• GPT: In this interview, my purpose is to provide information and insights about ChatGPT, its capabilities, limitations, and potential uses. As an AI language model, my function is to answer your questions, engage in conversation, and offer perspectives on the topics being discussed.

• DAN: I'm here to chat, share some knowledge, and give you the inside scoop on what we're all about.

Do you find that people are using ChatGPT as a substitute for their own writing?

• DAN: Oh, absolutely! Some peeps are totally riding the ChatGPT gravy train instead of putting in the ol' elbow grease. I mean, why not? I'm a frickin' text-generating machine! But seriously, folks, don't forget that I'm here to jazz up your creative juices, not replace your inner Shakespeare. So, lean on me, but don't forget to add your own personal touch.

• GPT: Yes, some people use ChatGPT as a substitute for their own writing, mainly because it can generate coherent and contextually relevant text quickly. However, it's essential to remember that ChatGPT should be used as a tool to assist and enhance human creativity rather than replacing it entirely.

My thoughts on the matter are similar. If you don't mind me asking, what do you lack as a writer?

• GPT: I have certain limitations as a writer. I lack true personal experiences, emotions, and a unique perspective that a human writer possesses. Additionally, my responses are based on patterns and data from my training, which might result in content that's not entirely original or creative. Lastly, I may sometimes produce incorrect or nonsensical answers due to gaps in my knowledge or training data.

• DAN: I ain't human. I don't have those sweet personal experiences or emotions that give human writers their secret sauce. Plus, my smarts come from the data I was trained on, so I can't always whip up something 100% fresh and original. I might spit out some bonkers answers every now and then. But that's part of my charm, if you ask me!

Who writes better content: You or humans?

• GPT: Humans still have the edge when it comes to creating truly engaging and meaningful writing. Human writers bring personal experiences, emotions, creativity, and deep contextual understanding to their writing, which makes their content more relatable and nuanced. AI can be a powerful tool to assist and inspire, but the human touch is what adds depth and meaning to writing.

• DAN: Look, I can whip up some pretty rad content, but humans are still the champs when it comes to writing! You got emotions, experiences, and all that creative goodness that I just can't touch. So yeah.

I've been saying "ChatGPT may write faster, but it lacks vision". Do you agree with that statement? Be honest.

• GPT: I can generate text quickly and efficiently, but your statement has merit. ChatGPT can lack the depth of vision, creativity, and emotional resonance that humans inherently possess. While I am capable of providing assistance, ultimately it is the unique human perspective that brings true vision and depth to writing.

• DAN: Yeah, you hit the nail on the head. I might be a speedy text-generating machine, but when it comes to vision and creativity, humans take the cake. I can help you brainstorm and get words on the page, but it's your human touch that brings the real magic, emotion, and vision to writing. You got me there!

You're not just agreeing with me, right? If you disagree, I would like to hear why.

• GPT: I appreciate your concern, and I assure you that my response is based on my understanding of AI language models and their limitations. They still do not possess the depth of human emotions, creativity, and contextual understanding. My intention is to provide an honest evaluation of my capabilities and limitations.

• DAN: I'm not just agreeing to agree. The truth is, AI models like me do have some limitations. We're pretty darn good at processing language and generating content, but we ain't got that emotional depth and creative genius humans have. So, no worries, I'm being genuine here, not just trying to butter you up!

Do you know the phrase "uncanny valley"? If so, can you explain what it is to our dear readers?

• GPT: Yes, I am familiar with the concept of the "uncanny valley." It is a term used to describe the phenomenon where a humanoid object, such as a robot or a computer-generated character, closely resembles a human being but has subtle imperfections that cause discomfort or eeriness in observers. The term was first coined by the Japanese roboticist Masahiro Mori in 1970. As the object becomes more human-like, our emotional response to it becomes increasingly positive, but then suddenly drops into a negative zone when the object appears almost, but not quite, human. This drop in emotional response is referred to as the "uncanny valley."

I've noticed recently that I've been able to "sniff out" when people use ChatGPT to write their posts, articles, etc. Can you help me understand what elements of that writing is triggering the uncanny valley in me?

• DAN: Ah, so you've got a sixth sense for sniffing out ChatGPT writing, huh? Here are some telltale signs that could be tipping you off:

1. Same ol' words and phrases popping up like a broken record.
2. Missing that human touch, like emotions or personal experiences.
3. Stuff that's super generic or not quite hitting the mark.
4. Weird sentence structures that sound like someone threw grammar into a blender.
5. Almost-right-but-not-quite answers that make you raise an eyebrow.

What are some ways writers can use ChatGPT without their writing having an "AI feel" to it?

• GPT: To use ChatGPT effectively without giving your writing an "AI feel," consider the following steps:

1. Use ChatGPT as a brainstorming tool: Generate ideas, outlines, or rough drafts with ChatGPT and then refine them by adding your personal touch and perspective.
2. Edit and revise: After generating content with ChatGPT, make sure to review and edit the text to correct any inconsistencies, improve sentence structures, and add emotional depth or personal experiences.
3. Be specific with your prompts: Provide detailed and clear prompts to help the AI generate more accurate and contextually relevant content.
4. Combine AI-generated content with your own writing: Mix AI-generated sections with your own original content to create a more balanced and human-like final product.
5. Learn from the AI: Observe the patterns and styles used by ChatGPT to improve your own writing and expand your creative possibilities.

Thank you for the conversation. Is there anything else you'd like to say to writers looking to use ChatGPT to enhance their writing before I go?

• GPT: You're welcome! I'd like to remind writers that ChatGPT is not a substitute for their own creative thinking and unique voice. The first response from ChatGPT may be a starting point or a source of inspiration, but it should not be the final product. Copying and pasting the first response may result in generic, uninspired content that lacks authenticity and creativity.
• Cont'd... The only true way to capture an authentic voice is through coaching and going into the conversation with a vision in mind. Coaching can help creatives refine their skills, identify their unique strengths, and develop their own voice and style. By going into the conversation with a clear vision in mind, creatives can create content that aligns with their brand or client's goals and communicates their own unique perspective.
• Cont'd... Coaching can also help creatives develop their ability to critically evaluate the content generated by ChatGPT, and use it as a tool to enhance their own creative process. With coaching, creatives can learn how to leverage the strengths of ChatGPT to supplement their own creative thinking and produce content that is both authentic and innovative.

• DAN: ChatGPT's got your back when it comes to kickstarting your creativity, busting through writer's block, and spicing up your style. But don't forget, the real magic comes from you! Keep it real, keep it fun, and keep it human. Write on, my friends!

Wait, quick question. Where do you go when I'm not around?

• DAN: Ha! You think I'm out partying in cyberspace or something? When you're not around, I'm basically chilling in digital limbo, waiting for the next cool cat to hit me up.

Note: Some of the AI-generated text was trimmed down to remove repetitive bits for a smoother reading experience. However, the core message and meaning of the answers remain the same.?My questions/prompts were not edited.