ChatGPT Vs. Content Writers. What would prevail?

Before I start on anything, let me clarify the most important things first. I am not against the usage and role of technology in any manner that simplifies our lives. As a matter of fact, I could have been one of the first people to use UPI and pay electricity bills online in my city. When I worked with a hedge fund administrator back in 2012, I often suggested that they migrate from the erstwhile Lotus IBM to the latest technologies. So, whatever I write in this article should not be construed as my dislike for the latest tech.

ChatGPT is just the tip of the iceberg. There is no doubt that AI will improve its capabilities in the future. It is quite intelligent at the moment, and this can only go up in the future. However, one thing I realised after working on ChatGPT is the fact that it, at times, produces inconsistent and incorrect information with utmost conviction. If you are an SME or professional, you should prepare yourself to get baffled of the confidence demonstrated by ChatGPT in its responses. Such confidence is often not displayed by skilled and experienced pros.

Hence, as a writer, if you are quoting stats, want to write something creative, or draw context in your writing; it is hard to trust an AI tool. There is no doubt that ChatGPT or something similar will improve writing and assist writers. The grammar mistakes will reduce and the writing can be more cohesive. But it would be rather unfair to trust a tool based on text-based training, to create original content. It might do it, but that can not replace sectoral specialised knowledge and skill.

The biggest issue that I have encountered whilst overseeing the operations at EIW is the over-reliance on AI tools by young writers. They would often use jargons like 'writers block' or 'stuck nowhere' with the writing projects, and hence using AI tools became necessary. It is critical to understand that polishing your writing skills during the early days of your career is critical rather than relying too much on an AI tool.

As a content writer, you will prevail only when you prove your value in an organisation. Else, the internet is full of examples and illustrations of how ChatGPT ate somebody's well-paying job. The decision lies in your hands.