Dear friends, I am pioneering a new approach with my column this time, featuring two groundbreaking elements. Firstly, I am intentionally introducing a multitude of errors, encompassing spelling, grammatical, punctuation, and other mistakes. This necessitates a deliberate reduction in my typically swift writing pace. Secondly, I am capitalizing on Artificial Intelligence to enhance my writing. While I initiate the process by developing a basic framework for my intended text, I subsequently utilize an AI filter to augment and refine it.
The use of AI in a column was prompted by a local political candidate’s utilization of this technology, which has yielded amusing consequences. His manner of speaking is evocative of an erroneous order at McDonald’s, whereas the written aspects of his campaign are redolent of a gourmet meal at Rania’s, complemented by expensive champagne and a sublime dessert special.
A discernible improvement in his writing style, relative to his ordinary speaking voice, is observed, which can be ascribed to the editorial vetting process of Artificial Intelligence involved in the written component of his campaign. When he periodically submits comments to his own posts, bypassing AI, the disparity is amusing.
I spent several days contemplating this column, being focused solely and exclusively on the political campaign, a timeframe that eventually grew to encompass several weeks as more immediate column topics presented themselves. In the interim, I noted multiple uses of AI across various business transactions in various capacities I had encountered.
As the weeks wore on, I noted, regretfully, that most of other stakeholders in involved the same business transactions were highly impressed by the business plans or the letters or the reports that had been polished by AI. The language was so ornate and bombastic that no one really quite comprehended what the reports were saying, but they were impressed by the manner in which it was conveyed. All those grandiose words seemed truly impressive.
AI’s influence is now pervasive, approaching us from every direction. The credibility of written content, particularly when presented in a sophisticated manner, has become increasingly dubious. This phenomenon bears resemblance to a bait and switch strategy. In the past, refined writing was often indicative of an intelligent individual or a skilled business professional. Conversely, it now suggests the opposite – a lack of authenticity. Did we ever envision a day in politics or business when straightforward, uncomplicated language, occasionally marred by errors, would serve as a reliable indicator of honesty, candor, and integrity?
— This is me again, straight up, no more AI filter!! — Wasn’t that exhausting to read? This may be my shortest column yet. I was as bored writing it as you were reading it, and we both couldn’t wait for it to be over (if you even made it this far).
And that, my friends, is the current state of politics and business now – people using AI in all sorts of contexts, sounding ridiculous, leaving nearly all their readers thinking, “That was fancy and a lot of big words, but what in the world were they saying?” but, unfortunately, also the companion thought: “They sure sound smart. I didn’t understand what they just said, but let’s go along with it.”
So how do we know if something is AI? Simple:
First, if you go through reading a lot of fancy words but in the end didn’t quite get what the point was, that’s a pretty reliable indication. Second, if the person’s writing is significantly different than his or her speaking style, that is a major indication.
If you really want to trip someone up, ask him to explain aloud what his written report said or, better yet, give him a pen and a piece of paper and have him write it down freehand, at the spur of the moment.
If you are tempted to use AI to “enhance” your writing, please don’t. We like you better just as you are – we promise.
