Thank you ChatGPT for transforming content creation and making everyone ‘content writers’

Few innovations have had as profound an impact on communication as artificial intelligence. Today, with the advent of advanced tools like OpenAI's ChatGPT, what was once a daunting task — the crafting of compelling, articulate content has become a matter of mere seconds. A prompt, a few instructions, and voilà, the output appears on the screen before one has even had time to scroll down. As a communications professional, I’ve experienced firsthand how this revolution has enabled individuals from all walks of life to become proficient content creators, writers, and communicators, reshaping the way we approach the art of communication.

I was in Delhi this week, and in a very different context, ?my brother-in-law shared an interesting situation in his office that underscored the dual-edged sword of this technological advancement. He spoke of a mid-level engineering executive, someone who had spent much of his career deeply embedded in the technical domain, but had recently transitioned to general management. Faced with customer inquiries, he often turned to ChatGPT for crafting responses, relying on the AI-generated language to bridge the communication gap. While the AI undoubtedly saved him time, he failed to recognize that the nuances of the situation were lost. The result? Responses that were technically correct but lacked the depth and context that only human insight can provide.

As someone with a background in English literature, having studied subjects like Phonetics and Remedial Grammar, I find it fascinating to decode content generated by AI. The power of such tools is undeniable, but there's a certain artistry to communication that often gets overlooked when one relies solely on AI-generated content. Language, after all, is more than just words strung together; it reflects the personality, tone, and individual style of its creator. When people use AI outputs blindly, copy-pasting without tailoring it to their own voice, the response feels impersonal — almost as if it hasn’t truly come from them. We all have our own vocabulary, idioms, and ways of structuring sentences. When that’s missing, the content feels hollow, disconnected from its human author.

In this AI-driven age, how do we humanize the language generated by chatbots like ChatGPT?

• Add personal anecdotes: AI can generate grammatically flawless content, but it cannot replicate personal experiences. Infusing responses with relevant anecdotes and personal insights not only makes the content more authentic but also creates a connection with the audience.
• Inject your own style: Everyone has a unique style of communication — some are formal, others conversational. Instead of taking the AI's response verbatim, modify the language to reflect your tone. If you’re someone who enjoys using metaphors or rhetorical questions, incorporate those into the AI-generated text.
• Focus on emotional cues: AI tends to be neutral in tone unless specifically instructed otherwise. Adding emotional depth to the content by acknowledging the reader's concerns, empathizing with their situation, or showing enthusiasm can make the response feel much more human.

This revolution in AI-powered communication has undoubtedly made many people’s lives easier and more productive. Individuals who once struggled with writing now have the tools at their fingertips to craft emails, reports, and presentations with ease. What used to take hours is now a matter of seconds, leading to increased efficiency across industries. However, on the communication front, this ease comes with both pros and cons.

While the convenience of AI prompts has allowed for a democratization of content creation, there is a risk that we, as individuals, may become overly reliant on these tools. It’s important to remember that while AI can assist, it cannot replace the human touch that is so vital in effective communication.

AI tools like ChatGPT have opened up a new world of possibilities, making communication more accessible than ever before. But we must be careful not to let the convenience of AI overshadow our own unique voices. By using these tools thoughtfully, as a supplement rather than a replacement we can maintain the authenticity of our communication while leveraging the power of AI to enhance our productivity. The key is to ensure that we use AI to our advantage, not as proxies that diminish our credibility or, worse, make us look like fools.