{"id":947,"date":"2023-06-24T08:32:44","date_gmt":"2023-06-24T06:32:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kodifyit.com\/Main\/?p=947"},"modified":"2023-07-09T19:20:36","modified_gmt":"2023-07-09T17:20:36","slug":"writing-in-the-ai-age-navigating-the-terrain-of-gpt-4-generated-articles","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kodifyit.com\/Main\/2023\/06\/24\/writing-in-the-ai-age-navigating-the-terrain-of-gpt-4-generated-articles\/","title":{"rendered":"Writing in the AI Age"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Navigating the Terrain of GPT-4 Generated Articles<\/h2>\r\n<h4>Finding the Sweet Spot: Balancing AI Efficiency with Human Creativity.<\/h4>\r\n<figure id=\"attachment_958\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-958\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-958 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/kodifyit.com\/Main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Writing-in-the-AI-Age-1024x562.png\" alt=\"An artificial human deep in thought\" width=\"800\" height=\"439\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kodifyit.com\/Main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Writing-in-the-AI-Age-1024x562.png 1024w, https:\/\/kodifyit.com\/Main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Writing-in-the-AI-Age-300x165.png 300w, https:\/\/kodifyit.com\/Main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Writing-in-the-AI-Age-768x421.png 768w, https:\/\/kodifyit.com\/Main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Writing-in-the-AI-Age.png 1488w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-958\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Writing in the AI Age: Navigating the Terrain of GPT-4 Generated Articles<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">First Thoughts:<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The big question is how to integrate Generative AI into the creative process; I\u2019m not concerned about writers (Prompt Engineers?) who use these AI tools exclusively; that is the ethical side. I\u2019ve tried it, and it comes out as stale and flat text with nothing that holds a reader\u2019s interest. Yes, with a lot of work, the draft article could be improved to the point where, at least, it reads reasonably well. But again, there seems to be a \u2018soullessness\u2019 about the piece.<\/p>\r\n<p><a title=\"AI and Human Creativity\" href=\"https:\/\/kodifyit.com\/Main\/2023\/04\/22\/ai-and-human-creativity-balancing-automation-with-innovation-and-responsibility-in-the-creative-process\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">See the AI and Human Creativity post here.<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Now AI Tools can <em>help<\/em> in most or all areas of writing, and not just for articles but for any text-generative task, from short-form articles to longer-form books and novellas. Everything and anything from a simple list of potential titles then expanded to produce sub-lists of sub-titles to entire outlines, can be generated by AI Tools. It\u2019s also wonderful to help overcome writer\u2019s block, the mystical but real issue facing most writers almost daily to a greater or lesser extent. Learning to interact and use Generative AI tools can often alleviate the \u2018block\u2019.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Today, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of using AI tools. Look at the title and sub-title of this article, both generated by GPT-4. I asked a straightforward question about the advantages and disadvantages of using Genitive AI for the entire creative process; more on this later. Then, based on the answer from GPT-4, I asked for a list of potential titles and related sub-titles for an article on the subject. With a slight rewording, I selected a title that I liked very much, but the suggested titles for this title were not what I was after.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I did, however, like a suggested sub-title from another title. I then asked the tool for its opinion on combining the title and sub-title I preferred (yes, it can do this too). GPT-4 agreed that it \u2018makes for a compelling structure\u2019. What do you think? Answers in the comments, please.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">So, what are the pluses and minuses?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Well, here is the summarised answer given by GPT-4, which, in my opinion, is reasonably accurate:<\/p>\r\n<hr \/>\r\n\r\n\r\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\r\n<p>As an advanced AI model, GPT-4 offers a range of benefits and potential drawbacks when planning, outlining, and broadening an article.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Advantages:<\/h3>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Speed and Efficiency<\/li>\r\n<li>Multitude of Ideas<\/li>\r\n<li>Flexibility<\/li>\r\n<li>Data-driven approach<\/li>\r\n<li>Reduced Writer&#8217;s Block<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Disadvantages:<\/h3>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Lack of Deep Understanding<\/li>\r\n<li>Ethical Concerns<\/li>\r\n<li>Over-reliance on AI<\/li>\r\n<li>Lack of Personal Touch<\/li>\r\n<li>Unexpected Outputs<\/li>\r\n<li>Misinterpretation of Prompts<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>While AI like GPT-4 can be a valuable tool for planning, outlining, and broadening an article, it is best used in conjunction with human creativity and oversight to ensure the quality and integrity of the final output. It should be treated as an assistant, not as a standalone solution.<\/p>\r\n<\/blockquote>\r\n\r\n\r\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\" \/>\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can see that even Generative AI tools believe they have a place, but it is limited to certain areas. And this is precisely my experience so far; these tools are an assistant, but they are not the entire picture to enable the production of quality creative work. Let\u2019s go through the pluses.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pluses<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By bullet point, let\u2019s broaden out each item briefly (this is a short-form article, after all), but you will get the drift of it:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Speed and Efficiency<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Generative AI is excellent for generating ideas and outlines; it can produce diverse versions of an initial idea. Try varying your prompts either slightly or rewriting them entirely.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Multitude of Ideas<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Depending on your area of research, by varying the context of your prompts, it is normal to have as many different aspects of an original idea presented. Choose one or more of the answers given and ask the AI tool to broaden out, rephrase or extend etc.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Flexibility<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The style required can also be defined and fine-tuned; for example, you could ask for a list or an outline in a time-informal and professional style.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is part of one of my recent prompts :<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\r\n<p>List 5 suggested titles based on &lt;your subject&gt;. The titles should be semi-informal but professional and engaging to readers.<\/p>\r\n<\/blockquote>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Data-driven Approach<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes, your answers will be based on past data, but it is limited to the training data used for your chosen tool. GPT-4 is restricted to data up to September 2021, for example. This changes every day with more tools having direct internet access. But it pays to bear this in mind.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As I write this, other tools are already connected to the internet and therefore don\u2019t have this limitation. GPT-4 itself now has a browser plug-in which is still in beta. The picture changes every day, so always better to check rather than assume.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Reduced Writer\u2019s Block<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I think you should be able to see already that playing with a Generative AI tool can help to \u2018unblock\u2019 your creativity by giving new directions and ideas to explore. It can all start with just a simple prompt.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\" \/>\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">All the points are interrelated to a greater or lesser extent. What you change for one will have an impact on several others. Some people will tout themselves as \u2018Prompt Engineers\u2019 and demand a premium for their services. But don\u2019t be fooled; it only takes a small amount of practice and playing to become reasonably proficient in using these AI tools.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Minuses<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The first four disadvantages listed above can be summarised succinctly:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\r\n<li>AI can simulate understanding but does not truly understand the content it generates.<\/li>\r\n<li>AI content creation raises ethical questions about authorship and originality.<\/li>\r\n<li>Using AI tools as the only creative source inhibits the development of personal writing skills.<\/li>\r\n<li>AI lacks the personal touch. The generated output is often cold and emotionally barren.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\" \/>\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The last two disadvantages deserve a special mention, be advised that though you will encounter these, they may be challenging to spot.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Unexpected Outputs<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is an innocent-sounding point, but Generative AI tools will only produce outputs based in some form on their training data. If the training data is tainted or biased in some form, then so will the generated output many months or years later. Worse, the generated work may contain outright falsehoods and inventions with no basis.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Misinterpretation of Prompts<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Depending on the AI tool you have chosen, it can be a frustrating experience getting the tool to understand what you have asked. Some are better than others, and they all have particular peculiarities that you must learn and work around. The output can look like something you can work with, but it\u2019s only after wasting, potentially, several hours that you may spot the problems.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final Thoughts<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Generative AI tools such as GPT-4 can be extremely helpful, but as with many things in life, sometimes it really is too good to be true. I\u2019ve heard quite a lot of negativity about these tools; honestly, the most negative people are those who have never even tried using the tools.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They fail to understand that Generative AI can assist us with so many everyday tasks, but, as it currently stands, they are nowhere near ready to \u2018destroy\u2019 jobs or replace humans.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, bosses and managers are the real issues as they see AI tools as a way to increase profits while reducing costs (that is, firing people). Still, they have likely never used a tool such as GPT-4 and imagine some utopian business future. They are truly living in La La Land.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Instead, we must consider Generative AI as just one item in our toolbox. Much as computers replaced old typewriters (amongst other things), cars replaced horses, and airliners replaced cruise liners. The important thing is to keep both feet firmly on the ground and not let yourself be influenced by the wind-bags.<\/p>\r\n<hr \/>\r\n<p>See more articles, posts, and discussions about business, project management and the role of human nature on Medium <a href=\"https:\/\/medium.com\/@mikereynolds_kodifyit\">here<\/a>. If you have not already, subscribe to <a href=\"https:\/\/medium.com\/membership\">Medium<\/a>. Or follow me <a href=\"https:\/\/mike553.substack.com\/?sd=pf\">here<\/a> on Substack. The KodifyIT Substack newsletter is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber; I would appreciate the support; you won\u2019t regret it. &#x1f44d;<\/p>\r\n<p><!-- \/wp:post-content -->\r\n\r\n<!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\r\n<p>Disclosure. I use Generative AI tools to help me when writing. From outline suggestions to topics or subtleties I had yet to think of.<\/p>\r\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\r\n\r\n<!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\r\n<p>I apologise to my readers for some of the spellings you may feel are incorrect. I was born and brought up in the United Kingdom, and this is the spelling I am comfortable with (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.grammarly.com\/\">Grammarly<\/a> is happy with it anyway).<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Navigating the Terrain of GPT-4 Generated Articles Finding the Sweet Spot: Balancing AI Efficiency with Human Creativity. 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