As AI technology advances, it’s becoming increasingly common for computers to generate art and text. While this has the potential to open up exciting new possibilities, it’s essential also to consider the potential dangers of AI-generated content.
One potential danger is the loss of originality and creativity. As AI becomes more advanced, it can generate art and text that is indistinguishable from that created by humans. This may make producing a large amount of content more accessible and more efficient. But it could also lead to a homogenization of ideas and a loss of unique perspectives and voices.
Malicious uses
Another potential danger is the potential for AI-generated content to be used for malicious purposes. For example, AI could be used to generate fake news or propaganda. This could be designed to manipulate public opinion or spread misinformation. In addition, AI-generated content could be used to impersonate individuals or organizations, potentially leading to identity theft or other forms of fraud.
One way to mitigate these dangers is through responsible and ethical development and use of AI. This means considering the potential consequences of AI-generated content. And also taking steps to ensure that it is used in a way that is safe and beneficial to society. This may include setting guidelines and regulations for the development and use of AI and conducting thorough testing and evaluations to ensure that AI systems are functioning as intended.
The impact on content creators
Additionally, it’s essential to consider the potential impact of AI on artists and writers. It could automate many tasks and potentially lead to job loss in the creative industries. This could significantly impact individuals and society as a whole. And it’s important to consider how we can mitigate these effects and ensure that the benefits of AI are distributed fairly.
Finally, it’s crucial to realize that while AI-generated content is not directly copying the work of artists and writers, it is being trained on a set of data that comes from the work these people create. Artists who have developed a specific style or writers who have a unique tone of voice are being imitated to create near-identical replicas of their work.
The final word
Overall, while AI-generated art and text can benefit society significantly, it’s important also to consider the potential dangers and take steps to mitigate them. By taking a responsible and ethical approach to the development and use of AI, we can ensure that it is used to benefit society and minimize potential harm. This includes citing training data where possible. And letting viewers know when content is created by artificial intelligence.
For full transparency, every sentence and image in this article was written by an artificial intelligence programs called ChatGPT and Dalle2. Want to read more on the topic? We’ve previously written about the Dangers of Deepfake Technology.
Digital marketing vs. AI-generated content
I’m the Digital Marketing Specialist at Tech Superpowers. Just about every word you read on our website or social media, I’ve had a hand in crafting or editing. Except for the piece above obviously. So when a coworker sent me this new AI tool for content creation, I’ll admit I had a sinking feeling in my gut. “This is it; this is what will replace me.” How can I compete with a machine that can pump out full-length blog articles in seconds when I often spend a full day writing a piece of content if you include research and editing? I can’t. No human can ever generate content as quickly as a computer.
But after showing the content this chatbot can write to a few coworkers and friends, I was relieved as each person conveyed a similar thought. While impressive, there was something unexplainable about the content AI is writing. While grammatically correct and informative, each paragraph gives off a sort of uncanny valley feeling. There is a certain rigidity to the way AI writes. An aura of lifelessness to the words. When writing for a particular brand, such as Tech Superpowers, I aim to connect with the audience, whether empathizing with them on a specific struggle they have or educating them on a topic I’m passionate about.
The importance of a unique voice
Above, the chatbot alluded to another area where AI will always struggle; the creation and voicing of unique perspectives and styles. Crafting a unique voice and communication style is an important part of branding. Companies that fail to establish this voice struggle to connect on a human level with their audience. You can already see this in action with websites, whether a particular WordPress or Squarespace theme has gotten too popular or a web development company that reuses the same template for every client. A company that designs their own website that speaks to its specific audience and brand will always set itself apart from the competition.
What’s the solution then?
So then, what use can AI be? It’s certainly not going away, and I’m sure there will always be companies spitting out dozens of AI-generated content pieces daily to dominate certain keywords for SEO purposes. But for the companies that understand the value of humanizing their content, AI can be reframed as a tool to help with generating content, rather than the single answer.
Rather than stubbornly avoiding the advances in AI, you’re better served to embrace elements of it as one of the many tools in your arsenal. It can help develop frameworks for long-form content, spark inspiration for topics, or even give you a head start on content when you’re not feeling particularly inspired. Using AI tools while focusing on your specific voice can only strengthen your content. After all, every industry, from the music business to IT, deals with technological advancements that threaten the way they work, and it’s the ones that adapt rather than stubbornly resist that survive and thrive through the change.