{"id":8769,"date":"2021-03-03T09:30:00","date_gmt":"2021-03-03T14:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/contentwriters.com\/blog\/?p=8769"},"modified":"2023-10-23T11:23:11","modified_gmt":"2023-10-23T15:23:11","slug":"will-ai-writing-replace-professional-content-writers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/contentwriters.com\/blog\/will-ai-writing-replace-professional-content-writers\/","title":{"rendered":"Will AI Writing Replace Professional Content Writers?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The idea that artificial intelligence (AI) or robots will take over our jobs is taking shape in some fields. As AI continues to become smarter, professionals across the globe are worried about whether AI can replace them. When it comes to AI writing, the pertinent question isn\u2019t can<\/em> AI replace human writers, but will it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

AI is already employed in writing, so we know that it can. Will AI replace professional content writers is a completely different question and one that requires a deeper look into the differences between a human writer and an AI writer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is AI or Artificial Intelligence?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Artificial intelligence, according to whatis.com<\/a>, an encyclopedia of information technology, is \u201cthe simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems.\u201d AI is a branch of computer science that builds smart machines using algorithms to perform tasks that usually require human intelligence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The goal of using AI to accomplish tasks done by humans has given rise to much debate. While we accept helpful AI such as Siri, Alexa, Netflix movie recommendations, and customer service bots, there is heightened concern that AI will become so smart that it will replace writers in the workplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to a recent report issued by the\u00a0World Economic Forum<\/a>, automation may displace up to 75 million jobs worldwide but it will also generate 133 million new ones by 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"SEO<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How Does AI Write?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

AI employs technologies called deep learning<\/a> and natural language processing<\/a>, using millions of existing writing samples in its database from which to pull. While deep learning tries to imitate the workings of the human brain in how it processes data and patterns, natural language processing attempts to analyze and generate language in a way humans use naturally. Together, the process is one where computers learn to read and understand the human language. AI programs learn word definitions and rules of grammar to structure sentences as humans do, following input from programmers about format, length of copy, and tone. From a technology point of view, the steps appear simple:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. The computer uses algorithms to collect and cull through data and find meaning in words.<\/li>
  2. The data is then processed and converted into text.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    From Science Fiction to Reality<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    AI writing programs can produce structured sentences the same way humans do by employing the formats, templates, and vocabulary they were programmed to learn, and they can produce faster than humans do. But that might be where the similarities end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    While science fiction writers have predicted for more than half a century that intelligent robots might overtake humanity, this reality is nowhere in the near future of professional content writers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Stuart Russel and Peter Norvig, in the textbook, Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach<\/em><\/a>, wrote that time hasn\u2019t solved the difficulty of replicating the full set of cognitive abilities of the human brain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In terms of writing, AI might have progressed enough to produce simple product copy for Ali Baba, or short sports pieces for the Associated Press, but cannot produce writings that require much more than a string of facts such as product features or game scores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What AI Can Write<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Some businesses in addition to Alibaba and the Associated Press do use and depend upon AI for some of their copy. Many of these uses still require a human touch. AI headline generators, plagiarism checkers, and grammar checkers are a few examples of how AI can aid human writers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The automation of these types of tools allows writers to upskill and to concentrate their efforts on the parts of projects that call for creativity, subtlety, and fine targeting of messages<\/a>. Content writers can more easily concentrate on the more fulfilling aspects of their work \u2013 ones that suit their talents better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    For those writers interested in following how AI is developing in their industry, take a look at AI writing products such as Persado, Quill, and Wordsmith.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Using\u00a0Persado<\/a>\u00a0as an example, the product is said to have a way to mirror emotions in copy, but reviews of the product cite that headlines are formulaic and similar to many other headlines generated for both similar and dissimilar brands. There are also reports that while the tool creates useful subject lines, it also includes some that are \u201cridiculous<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"ContentWriters<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    Why AI Writing Can\u2019t Replace Professional Content Writers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The success of AI writing products such as Persado<\/a>, Quill<\/a>, and Wordsmith<\/a> illustrates that AI has developed to a point where it is good at certain tasks. But, humans are good at things that AI cannot replicate like nuance, creativity, emotions, and empathy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Humans are natural storytellers. It is in our soul. AI has no soul. AI can simulate intelligence. It can simulate language, but it cannot simulate expression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In today\u2019s market where consumers demand more personalization through the understanding of their needs and aspirations, how can AI fill that void between creating text and actually connecting emotionally with audiences? It cannot and will not for a long time to come. Through the complexities of human thought and emotion, human content writers far surpass AI in choosing just the right words that click with other humans. When every piece of content needs to help build relationships with customers, AI writing cannot compete with a real person who has emotions, experiences, and an understanding of the goals of the brand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Using Alibaba as an example, you will find that the AI product descriptions<\/a> are phrases of product features placed within a table. They don\u2019t contain benefits or even full sentences that build desire in customers. Compare its \u201cwomen’s leather envelope clutch wrist bag\u201d with a bag description from Dooney & Burke<\/a>, \u201cSoft pleats, rolled top handles and a structured shape adds ladylike chic, while a divided interior with magnetic closures and a detachable strap adds casual convenience.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The key difference between these two product descriptions is that the Dooney & Burke example demonstrates a clear understanding of who the buyer is and what will move that buyer to purchase. Professional content writers have the upper hand when it comes to tailoring copy to address buyer personas through empathy, experience, and instincts that an AI writer does not possess.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    AI writers fall short on these capabilities:<\/p>\n\n\n\n