AI-Generated Content is Here to Stay
AI-generated content has been a topic of discussion for a while now. However, recent developments in natural language processing have made it possible for anyone to generate content on almost any subject. This has resulted in a fast-growing phenomenon of AI-written content across the internet, replacing human authorship as the norm.
When AI Takes Over
A recent incident occurred where software developer Chris Cowell wrote a technical how-to book on Automating DevOps with GitLab CI/CD Pipelines. Three weeks before its release, a book of the same title and topic appeared on Amazon, written by Marie Karpos, an author Cowell had never heard of. Upon investigation, Cowell discovered that the book was likely written entirely by an AI language model with screenshots that looked like ChatGPT. Observers believe that the incident, mainly caused by developments in natural language processing, may become increasingly ubiquitous on the internet.
In a survey conducted by digital marketing firm Semrush, of the 894 respondents, 761 experiment with generative AI to produce online content, while 370 employ generative AI to develop much, if not all, their content. Meanwhile, NewsGuard, a news credibility rating company, identified 49 news websites across seven languages that were the product of AI-generated content.
The Pros and Cons of AI-Generated Content
The advent of AI-generated content has led to hyper-specific and personalized articles, which is an advantage. However, it also raises concerns about possible misinformation and manipulation on topics such as politics and consumer products. There is also the possibility of generating vast, unvetted pools of online data, which may not be grounded in reality and could lead to the loss of truth.
Several companies have embraced automated content openly, citing the need for productivity and lower cost as their driving forces. Meanwhile, others disclose it more discreetly or hide it from the public, fearing a stigma against automated writing and possible backlash. Some defenders of AI-generated content argue that it takes time for the content to rank well on Google, and that it works best when it appears on established websites that already have a sizable audience.
The Bottom Line
The rapid growth of AI-generated content is undeniable. While this innovation has become an essential part of modern workflow, its impact on users is yet to be seen. However, a balance must be struck between automated writing and human-based authorship, to ensure that the pursuit of hyper-specific and personalized writing does not come at the cost of the truth.
