AI and Content Writing at SubHeading
In our dynamic world of content creation for the purposes of SEO and organic visibility, the emergence of AI writing tools has sparked both curiosity and skepticism. As we dive into the narrative of AI writing at SubHeading, it’s important to comprehend the evolution of these tools, acknowledge their strengths, confront their shortcomings, and explore the ways they benefit our clients – and our team here at SubHeading.
What is AI, AI Writing Tools, and How Can They Be Used for Content Creation?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping various industries, and content creation is no exception. AI writing tools leverage large language models (LLMs) like GPT-3 and its successor, GPT-4, to generate or summarize text based on existing datasets. These tools “read” content on the internet, discern patterns, and produce new content. In the realm of content creation, AI writing tools offer the promise of efficiency and innovation.
The Problem (as of 2024) with These Tools and Their Shortcomings
While the potential of AI writing tools is immense, it’s crucial to address the challenges that persist in 2024 (as of January 1). The evolution from 2020 to 2023 showcased significant improvements, but tools remained clunky and struggled with surface-level definitions, introducing factual inaccuracies. As of March 2023, GPT-4, the best consumer-available AI writing tool, still faces hurdles.
What They Do Well
Despite limitations, AI writing tools have commendable strengths. GPT-4, for instance, can craft poetic pieces and even emulate the perspective of an ancient Greek stoic facing a perilous fall. These capabilities hint at the potential for creative and philosophical applications. The ability to generate content, albeit with human guidance and fact-checking, demonstrates the tools’ prowess in specific contexts.
How We Use ChatGPT-4 and Other Writing Tools to Benefit Our Clients
At SubHeading, we’re strategic in our use of AI writing tools. ChatGPT-4, in particular, is employed to generate short descriptions of articles, variations of titles, and even article outlines. While human intervention is necessary for guidance and verification, these tools have proven to be time-saving assets, reducing workload by several hours each week. Colleagues have found utility in responding to emails, defining terms, and initiating new ideas.
However, there’s no getting around the fact that as of the date of this article’s publication, the perfect piece of SEO content for our clients cannot be produced without human thought, research, reliance on a multitude of paid SEO tools, and experience.
A Brief History of AI Writing Tools
To appreciate the current state of AI writing, it’s essential to trace its history. From the advent of generative writing tools like GPT-3 to the recent advancements with GPT-4, the journey involves the use of LLMs. Neural networks, a concept present in machine learning for over 40 years, witnessed a breakthrough due to increased access to computing power and storage. Google’s pioneering efforts since 1996 have played a pivotal role in collecting and storing text data, fueling the training of LLMs on trillions of words.
What AI Writing Tools Cannot Do Well
While AI writing tools have come a long way, their imperfections are evident. GPT-4’s limitations include the absence of real-time data updates and a tendency to confidently state inaccuracies without proper citations. AI experts caution against relying solely on these tools, highlighting concerns about disturbing content, misinformation, intellectual property theft, and privacy issues. Furthermore, these tools struggle with personal experiences, realistic examples, and extended pieces of text, particularly in niche areas.
What AI Writing Does Do Well
Despite its shortcomings, GPT-4 finds practical applications at SubHeading. The team leverages it to generate short descriptions, varied titles, and article outlines. Colleagues use it to respond to emails, define generic terms, and spark new ideas. While GPT-3’s weaknesses are acknowledged, the team envisions continued use, anticipating enhancements such as fact-checking and real-time data integration in future models.
The Eventual Future
Looking ahead, the future of AI writing tools is envisioned to parallel the relationship between Excel and accountants. These tools are not meant to replace great writers but serve as virtual assistants, enhancing productivity. Subject matter experts, armed with personal experiences and nuanced knowledge, remain irreplaceable. However, the tools aim to make writing more approachable, potentially encouraging engineers to venture into the realm of content creation.
The transformative potential extends beyond content creation. AI writing tools might reshape how we search for information online, enabling more natural interactions with search engines. The prospect of AI as a virtual assistant opens up new possibilities for writers and content creators, marking an exciting trajectory for the writing industry.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the journey of AI writing at SubHeading reflects the broader evolution of this transformative technology. While AI writing tools have their limitations, they offer unique strengths that, when strategically employed, can significantly benefit content creation processes. As we navigate the landscape of AI writing, embracing innovation while being mindful of its current constraints, the future promises a harmonious collaboration between human creativity and artificial intelligence.