ChatGPT is the talk of the town. And rightly so. The sophisticated chatbot from OpenAI can answer internet queries in a way we’ve never seen before.
It can mimic basic human responses to questions in a detail rather than simply throwing up a URL link to your search. It’s so revolutionary, that Microsoft is plunging $10bn worth of investment into OpenAI and forging a long-term partnership. It has the potential to shake up a number of industries – from education to marketing and beyond.
There have been plenty of hot takes spread across the mainstream media since ChatGPT launched in November 2022. The common theme is that writing gigs are doomed. And while there’s a slither of truth in this, it’s not for the reasons you might think.
ChatGPT isn’t going to steal writing jobs by itself. It’s not actively applying for the same roles it finds on LinkedIn or Indeed. But there’s a growing perception that ChatGPT and the like can simply replace employees.
The invaders have landed
Take the entertainment site Buzzfeed for example. The once all-mighty, yet often dubious, business model of fast and engaging content was a license to print money in the early-to-mid 2000s. But back in December ‘22, it was forced to close newsrooms and cut 12 per cent of its employees as traffic and profits began to dwindle. It has since been revealed that Buzzfeed will use ChatGPT to work on part of its content creation – a move that doubled the stock price and no doubt made those at the top of the pile very happy.
Regardless of the moral implications this may have on the wider world, Buzzfeed’s move is savvy. It’s a cost-effective way to generate content and fill the internet one quiz at a time. It’s a decision that is entirely based on making profits and one that will be mimicked en masse. ChatGPT isn’t going away anytime soon.
However, ChatGPT is limited. Its research and factual content are getting better, but it’s sketchy at best. Where a human will double- or triple-check details before pushing something live, ChatGPT will spit out its best guess and the person receiving it is then tasked with the job. And this human touch is what AI can’t replicate.
Technology site CNET is using AI to churn out SEO-friendly content but has recently found that more than half of the articles that made it online were riddled with errors. Again, this is what happens without the due diligence of an experienced writer or editor. Creative copywriters and content creators know this, but convincing those upstairs that a human employee – or employees – are more valuable an asset is an unwinnable battle, especially if the cash is rolling in regardless. So what should we do?
Remote control
Firstly, we need to accept that ChatGPT and the like are here to stay. There’s no point fighting it. Instead, we should embrace this new technology, try to understand it and come up with ways we can use it to our advantage. We’re not advocating for people to just use it to write their copy for them, no, sir. Rather get to know its strengths and weaknesses, and become an expert in handling them.
We can see a future where the preferred skills sections of writing roles will require ChatGPT experience. It’ll sit alongside the likes of proficiency with Microsoft Word or the latest CMS.
Yes, you’re probably more accurate and experienced than ChatGPT. But you’re also unlikely to change the fortunes of a client that’s watching their rivals make bank. Showing a willingness to work with new technology and help them harness its power is how we need to evolve as an industry.
The allure of ChatGPT is tempting, but don’t compromise on quality copy for your business. Fill out the form below or drop an email to info@irvinemedia.ae to find out how we can help you.