People often ask me about using AI to write content – so this article covers the dangers of using ChatGPT to write blogs.
Time is money for small business owners, so they are always seeking ways to do things quicker and easier. While most understand the importance of regularly updating their website, busy professionals often lack the time or the ability to write insightful blog articles.
The advent of AI tools has made generating content much easier, so this appears to be the perfect solution. However, there are many dangers of using ChatGPT to write blogs – so let’s explore the origins of ChatGPT and why using AI-generated content could do more harm than good…
What is ChatGPT?
The clever AI chatbot has been programmed to learn the structure and patterns of language by reading large amounts of text data, such as conversations or articles. The purpose is to generate human-like responses to user questions or prompts, such as assisting with writing tasks (e.g. answering questions, composing emails, crafting articles, or even engaging in conversations).
While ChatGPT can be a very useful tool in certain specific contexts, it is important to understand its limitations – especially when it comes to creating original, high-quality content for websites.
Lack of originality and creativity
One of the most obvious dangers of using ChatGPT is its heavy reliance on existing data. The result? Generic, repetitive and overly simplistic content that lacks both punch and perspective, something a freelance blog writer would definitely bring to the table.
Using ChatGPT means you will eventually run out of fresh content. More importantly, your content will not resonate with your audience or differentiate your brand from its competitors. Instead, working with a freelance blog writer will ensure that you get fresh ideas and prevent tunnel vision by consulting a professional on what will work best for your brand.
Quality control issues
ChatGPT is a tool designed to generate content. But most AI-generated content relies on outdated information, is prone to factual errors and misinterpretation of context. Without human intervention, ChatGPT can easily repeat information, contradict itself and gloss over inaccuracies. When published online, poor-quality content can potentially damage your business’s credibility.
Freelance blog writers are skilled at research and comprehension – so they know how to interpret information correctly, thereby ensuring that the content is accurate, well-informed, and aligned to your brand’s tone of voice.
Search engine optimisation (SEO) risks
One of the biggest dangers of using ChatGPT, and other AI software, to write blogs is the potential negative impact on your website’s performance. For instance, ChatGPT may unintentionally produce duplicate content or overuse certain keywords that may cause search engines like Google to downgrade your site ranking.
Recent SEO updates clearly state that search engines prioritise original, authoritative and well-written content over formulaic, low-quality output. Once again, this is where human expertise trumps AI. Small businesses can hire a freelance blog writer to create unique content that includes proven SEO techniques.
Poor user experience
Not surprisingly, tools like ChatGPT lack the storytelling skills and human intuition of an experienced, freelance blog writer. Using too much AI-generated content can lead to poor user engagement as there is a lack of emotional connection with the reader.
Users tend to lose interest when content is too bland and generic, as it fails to address their particular pain points. That’s why it is easy to spot AI-generated content, meaning your small business will lose trust in the eyes of customers.
Legal and ethical concerns
Publishing content online requires a basic knowledge of media law and copyright. One of the most significant dangers of using ChatGPT is that it could potentially reproduce copyrighted material or fail to properly attribute sources when it generates content, thus inadvertently exposing your business to potential legal disputes. Furthermore, there is an added risk of spreading misinformation, especially if the content generated is old or inaccurate.
Freelance blog writers are well-versed with the laws surrounding defamation and understand the importance of attributing data to sources. In short, hire a professional blog writer to ensure legal and ethical compliance and protect your brand’s reputation.
Brand voice and identity
AI tools like ChatGPT are designed to aggregate information from various sources and then generate content. But what ChatGPT cannot do is capture a brand’s voice, resulting in inconsistent brand messaging across your content. A freelance blog writer, on the other hand, can develop content that perfectly aligns with your brand’s voice. They can produce great content that helps maintain the integrity of your brand.
Limited ability to address complex topics
When I write articles for HR consultants, accountants or legal professionals, I need to use the latest and most accurate information. This means staying on top of the constant changes to UK legislation and tax rates.
If you are using an older version of ChatGPT, much of the information could be years out of date. AI tools are designed to generate surface-level information, but fail to demonstrate the kind of depth, insight or critical thinking required to address complex subjects.
As a freelance blog writer, I conduct my own analysis so that I can present complex subjects clearly and accurately. This process makes my content more valuable to its readers and positions my clients as an industry authority.
The missing human connection
Among the obvious dangers of using ChatGPT to write blogs is the absence of emotional intelligence. Frankly, it is impossible for AI tools to fully understand the spectrum of human emotions and motivations. In contrast, freelance blog writers understand the power of emotion and empathy, so they can craft content to appeal to your target audience. Whether you share personal stories or provide tailored advice, connecting with readers is essential in building trust.
Limited adaptability to changing trends
AI models like ChatGPT are limited by their reliance on old data, which means they are unable to capture the latest industry trends. This requires someone to manually update articles, which can be time-consuming and costly. As a freelance blog writer, I talk to my clients and conduct thorough research to ensure my blog articles contain relevant trends, data, consumer behaviour and regulatory changes. Using AI tools will not save you time of it requires significant human input.
The power of thought leadership
Given that AI-generated content is easily recognisable, websites that rely on ChatGPT can be perceived as lacking authority – which is not what you want to convey to your audience. With more small businesses turning to AI for help, the online space has become oversaturated with similar, low-quality content.
Readers will be drawn to professionals who display expertise in their field and comment on the latest developments. Hiring a freelance blog writer can ensure that your content reflects the level of knowledge that your audience expects. Make sure you stand out from the crowd.
Avoid the dangers of using ChatGPT to write blogs
I understand that AI tools are here to stay, and truly believe they have benefits for certain applications. However, creating insightful, thought-leadership style requires human input. If you want articles packed with advice and opinions, rather than bland, general messages, consider talking to a freelance blog writer.
To learn more about the dangers of using ChatGPT, contact me today for a discussion on how we can best address your business content needs.