In the age of artificial intelligence, the question on everyone's mind is: "Did a machine write this?" As a 20+ year veteran of the public relations and marketing industry I’m here to spill the tea — or should I say, the algorithms? Let's dive into the world of AI-generated content and explore how to tell if a robot or a human is behind the words.
The Rise of AI Content
AI has come a long way from its early days of giving robotic responses. Today, AI tools can produce content that's almost indistinguishable from human writing. But “almost” is the key word here. While AI excels at generating coherent and informative text, it often lacks the flair and nuance that only humans can provide. As more users turn to AI to help write their content, what’s missing are the quips, puns, and interesting factoids we humans typically sprinkle into the content mix. (For now.)
AI doesn’t always get the “show, don’t tell” principle—revealing information through action or dialogue—which helps to make writing more engaging. AI can be over-the-top hyperbolic.
I once crafted a pitch for a client's Star Trek product line. The marketing manager insisted on my incorporating Klingon language to give it an “authentic touch.” Since AI as we know it was not yet a thing, I researched the language so I could convey the message in a way that resonated with the audience. As it turned out, they didn't just understand it; they experienced it. The fact that the company went the extra mile to speak Klingon language left a lasting impression. Sales soared as a result. Would AI have simplified the process? Absolutely. But how would it have captured the essence of Star Trek?
Identifying AI Content: Tips and Tricks
So, how do you spot AI-generated content? Here are a few telltale signs:
Overly Formal Language: AI tends to stick to the rules, which means the language it spews out often sounds too formal, too smooth, or too structured. Humans, on the other hand, love to break the rules and add a bit of personality and flair to their writing. Also, AI does not “read” subtleties well nor does it include them.
Lack of Emotional Depth: While AI can mimic your feelings, it rarely captures the full spectrum of your emotions. Most of the time, humans write with a depth that AI lacks. So, look for content that resonates on an emotional level. Whether it pulls on your heartstrings or gives you a good laugh, chances are it likely was written by a living, breathing person who can relate to others on a deeper level.
Repetitive Phrasing: AI might reuse phrases or sentence structures more frequently than humans do. (Overuse of the words “delve,” and “ensure” are a dead giveaway.) If you notice a pattern, it could be a robot at work.
Inconsistent Tone: AI often struggles to maintain a steady tone throughout the content it is called upon to produce. However, we are more adept at weaving a narrative with a consistent voice, as they use their own experiences to create a relatable story.
What Makes Content More “Human”?
So, what sets human writers apart from their AI counterparts? Let’s take a look at the ways content becomes more relatable and engaging when actual people are the authors:
Personal Experience: A success story is often the best way to showcase the benefits of your products or services. The longform testimonials we write for a realtor client are stories that demonstrate how she helps her buyers and sellers through what can be an overwhelming and stressful process.
Humor and Wit: While AI can try to be funny, it often falls flat. Humans have a natural knack for humor and can craft jokes and funny commentary that land.
Emotional Connection: We can create content that resonates emotionally, tapping into readers' feelings and experiences. Telling your internet service provider customers you have reliable service may showcase a product feature. Sharing an anecdote about how reliable internet helped a family reconnect over a great distance is a more memorable way to share the benefits of your service while emotionally connecting to potential customers.
Creativity and Originality: Humans are masters of creativity, often coming up with unique perspectives and innovative ideas that AI might miss. Sure, it can tell you details about a topic, but it can’t tell you why that topic may be relevant to you or how it may affect your life.
The Verdict: Did AI Write This?
So, did a robot write this article? Well, I’m not telling! But hopefully you can guess. Remember this: AI does not know or understand anything. It merely emulates how we speak and what we say by recombining words and explanations it picks up online. It repeats what has been said before.
As AI continues to evolve, the line between human and machine will blur even further. But for now, if you're looking for content that truly connects with your audience, there's no substitute for the real thing. After all, who is writing all that great content that AI pulls from? But that’s a whole other blog!
Stay ahead of the AI curve with Harry. We’re here to help you get your message out and be the best storytellers you can be. Email us at hello@harry.marketing to get started.
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