I fancy myself a writer. My college degree was in the school of Journalism and Mass Communication (while my major was Public Relations) and I have been writing stories since I was a little kid. I wrote my first article for Dealer Magazine (and Digital Dealer Magazine) somewhere around 2005-2006. Since then, I’ve written 603 blogs and comedic videos (just checked). That is over 30 a year. While I have never published a book, I have written one that will eventually see the light of day. Alas, I have seen more written content posted from others that previously never wrote before the age of A.I. and I realize I may be a dying breed. As soon as people that beg for their voice to be heard, they seem to discover ChatGPT and head to LinkedIn with their daily dose of auto-generated content.
Let it be known, I like experimenting with A.I., but I will stand firm in the fact that I love writing more than I like the time saved in having machine learning writing for me. For most people, A.I. is not just an effective writing tool, but an imperative one. For me, it would be removing a part of my soul. Do you know if what you’re reading is A.I. or from a real live human with a face and faults? Well, this paragraph and the one above is all me. The blog below is A.I. generated, with the prompt:
“Write a tongue-in-cheek 800 word blog titled 8 Clear Cut Ways to Tell the Blog You’re Reading Was Written by ChatGPT. List the 8 most commonly found stereotypes in the language and formatting of blogs written by A.I. versus those written by humans.”
Here is what was generated – and I’ll admit, but for being a bit cold and lifeless – all great information.
8 Clear Cut Ways to Tell the Blog You’re Reading Was Written by ChatGPT
Welcome, dear reader, to a tantalizing journey through the nuances of blog writing that reveal unmistakable signs of AI authorship. As artificial intelligence continues to shape the landscape of content creation, it leaves behind a trail of telltale stylistic quirks. Whether you’re a seasoned blog connoisseur or a curious newcomer, here are eight unmistakable signs that the blog you’re perusing was penned by none other than ChatGPT itself.
1. Pristine Prose, Zero Typos
One hallmark of AI-written blogs is their impeccably polished prose. While human writers occasionally sprinkle in a typo or two (to prove they’re fallible beings, of course), AI-generated content is often devoid of such mortal errors. Every sentence flows with a precision that suggests more CPU cycles than coffee breaks went into its creation. So, if you find yourself marveling at a blog post without a single misplaced comma or misspelled word, chances are you’re in the realm of AI brilliance.
2. Omniscient Tone, Modesty Optional
AI doesn’t just impart knowledge; it exudes an air of unshakable confidence. Whether the topic is quantum physics or knitting, AI-written blogs tend to speak with an almost omniscient authority. Forget humility—these blogs dive headfirst into the deep end of expertise, leaving readers to wonder if they stumbled upon the digital reincarnation of Einstein. If the blog reads like it’s delivering insights from Mount Olympus, odds are it’s the work of a knowledgeable algorithm rather than a mortal scribe.
3. Data-Driven Discourse
Humans wax poetic; AI waxes data-driven. Expect charts, graphs, and statistics galore when AI takes the reins. While human writers might rely on anecdotes or personal experiences to make a point, AI prefers cold, hard data. Whether it’s the latest market trends or climate change projections, AI-written blogs love to back up every claim with a numerical punch. So, if your blog post feels more like a boardroom presentation than a fireside chat, AI might be the unseen hand guiding the narrative.
4. Consistent Tone, Rain or Shine
One thing AI excels at is consistency. Blogs authored by AI tend to maintain a steady tone throughout, regardless of the topic at hand. Whether discussing the latest fashion trends or the intricacies of cryptocurrency, AI remains steadfast in its demeanor. This unwavering consistency can be both a blessing and a curse—while it ensures a cohesive reading experience, it also lacks the human touch of adaptability. If you find yourself nodding along to a blog that never wavers from its initial tone, AI might be the mastermind behind the keyboard.
5. Endless Endnotes and References
Forget casual citations; AI-written blogs revel in a sea of references. Footnotes, hyperlinks, and bibliographies abound as AI meticulously credits every source and cross-references every claim. While human writers might rely on memory or general knowledge, AI leaves no stone unturned in its pursuit of academic rigor. So, if you feel like you’ve stumbled into a scholarly paper disguised as a blog post, AI’s meticulous nature might be to blame.
6. SEO-Friendly to a Fault
In the digital age, SEO (Search Engine Optimization) reigns supreme. AI-written blogs are often finely tuned to appease the Google gods. Keywords are strategically sprinkled throughout like breadcrumbs in a fairytale forest, ensuring maximum visibility in search engine results. While human writers aim for a delicate balance between readability and SEO, AI prioritizes algorithms over alliteration. If your blog post reads like a keyword checklist, AI’s penchant for digital discoverability likely played a role.
7. Impersonal Introductions, Automated Affection
AI doesn’t do small talk. Introductions are often succinct and to the point, devoid of the warm, fuzzy greetings humans tend to sprinkle liberally. While human writers might weave personal anecdotes or friendly banter into their openings, AI jumps straight into the heart of the matter. If your blog begins with a clinical precision that feels more like a scientific paper than a fireside chat, AI’s tendency to skip the small talk might be evident.
8. Uncannily Universal Appeal
Finally, AI-written blogs often possess a universal appeal that transcends cultural or personal nuances. These blogs aim for broad accessibility, speaking a language that resonates with audiences from Tokyo to Timbuktu. While human writers inject their unique voice and cultural perspective into their work, AI strives for a global understanding. If the blog post feels strangely familiar yet universally applicable, AI’s quest for inclusivity might be at play.
In conclusion, as you navigate the vast expanse of digital content, keep an eye out for these unmistakable signs of AI authorship. While AI-written blogs may lack the whimsical charm of human prose, they offer a glimpse into a future where knowledge is as limitless as the algorithms that generate it. Embrace the quirks, revel in the precision, and remember—behind every AI-written blog lies a virtual pen poised to reshape the world of writing as we know it.
And in MY conclusion, ChatGPT and AI-generated content offer a wealth of benefits for most of society. We’re at the tippy top of the iceberg that is A.I. I look forward to seeing all it will become, but I don’t want to give up my own personal flair for the dramatic in my own writing. Next time you see a finely bullet-pointed blog or slide deck, ask yourself how much was the “author”, and how much was their prompt.
