Chapter 1: Introduction to AI in Writing

In recent times, the use of AI for content creation on platforms like Medium has led to a troubling trend. Many individuals are profiting from the publication of insincere content that lacks authenticity.

As I scroll through the endless array of true crime and history articles on Medium, it strikes me how similar they all are. Most consist of just a few paragraphs filled with uninspired language and unexciting titles.

I can't help but find humor in this dark reality. Once the public catches on to what’s happening, the creators of such content will inevitably face consequences. I believed that eventually, readers would realize that the articles being churned out by content mills are not the work of humans, but instead crafted by AI.

I waited for this moment of clarity. I anticipated a backlash, a collective outcry from the community, and envisioned joining the masses with pitchforks in hand.

But as time passed—months turned into years—there was nothing. No uproar, no complaints, and no response from the higher-ups at Medium. Instead, the number of these phony content accounts has surged alarmingly, prompting this discussion.

The realization hit me: the absence of outrage stems from readers’ inability to distinguish between authentic posts and those generated by AI programs.

So, what exactly is an AI ghostwriter?

In essence, these are applications and websites that leverage advanced AI technology to produce writing that mimics human style. A well-known example is Grammarly, which many writers are familiar with. This program enhances your writing by not only correcting errors but also suggesting improved phrases, sentences, and even entire paragraphs.

The AI component analyzes language and human comprehension to assist you in crafting what it deems the "perfect" piece.

However, this is just the tip of the iceberg. More sophisticated AI writing tools are available, such as CopyAI, Aiseo, and Simplified. For a modest fee, these services can write entire articles for you, complete with formatting, headers, and cover images.

A few years back, AI writing tools existed but were limited in scope. Today’s AI can generate scripts, essays, and more, fundamentally altering how content is created and consumed.

Imagine following a beloved blog for years, only to discover that not a single word was penned by a human. This reality is more common than one might think.

How can one differentiate between genuine human writing and AI-generated content? There are key indicators that reveal the latter's presence.

The first notable sign is the overall "feel" of the article. AI-generated content often lacks depth, presenting facts in a simplified manner with generic adjectives. When articles start to resemble medical pamphlets or product descriptions, it's likely that an AI was involved in their creation.

I have previously published an article on Medium that was entirely AI-generated (you can check it out here @ Written By AI: Selling Children In America’s Great Depression). Yet, I am undeniably human, showcasing a distinct style and a unique voice in my writing.

Now that you have an understanding of my writing style, what does AI-generated content look like? I’ve pinpointed six characteristics that can help identify it.

Using an excerpt from a random Medium user who I suspect relies heavily on AI for writing, we can see:

1. Repetitive Phrasing: "In the 18th century, people loved to wear powdered wigs. They were a signature of the upper class. These powdered wigs were very popular and people loved to wear them." This passage contains redundant sentences that convey the same idea.
2. Keyword Overuse: AI writing tools often require users to input keywords for inspiration. Due to their lack of creativity, these tools tend to overuse specific phrases.
3. Bullet Point Structure: Many AI-generated articles are formatted in a bullet-point style, with sections separated automatically.
4. Generic Language: AI tends to produce content that lacks personality, resulting in bland, boilerplate writing.
5. Simplistic Fact Presentation: AI often rewords excerpts from sources like Wikipedia, leading to generic statements that lack depth or transition.
6. High Posting Frequency: It's implausible for someone to have the time to post multiple articles daily without the aid of automation.

In contrast, my writing on Medium involves significant effort and research. Crafting thoughtful content requires time and skill, which these ghostwriting accounts bypass entirely.

For them, it’s as simple as entering a title, adding a few keywords, and clicking a button to generate content. Some platforms, like CopyAI, even offer options to customize the tone, such as making it sound “more creative” or emulating a specific style.

While there’s nothing inherently wrong with using these tools for assistance—especially in professional or academic settings—the scale at which some Medium users employ AI to generate endless lists is concerning. They can monetize this content, accumulating views and followers without the investment of genuine effort.

Some accounts, which I won’t name but are likely familiar to you, boast thousands of followers and millions of views by posting shallow articles. Coupled with the ability to publish multiple times a day and benefit financially, this creates an uneven playing field.

Medium promotes the mantra that "good writing and consistency always wins," yet this principle seems outdated in the current landscape. The platform has yet to implement policies against the use of AI for content generation, leaving authentic writers to contend with a sea of faceless, uninspired articles.

Perhaps I’m just old-fashioned and struggling to comprehend the new norms. The responsibility now rests with you, the reader. How do you feel about your relationship with this platform? Is it acceptable to consider that a significant portion of what you read could be fabricated?

For me, this platform was designed for sharing genuine human experiences, unique insights, and specialized knowledge. I would hate to see that authenticity compromised in favor of a culture focused solely on quantity.

This article is the first in a five-part series exploring the implications of AI in writing. Stay tuned for the next installment.

Best,

Chapter 2: The Impact of AI on Authenticity

As the debate around AI-generated content continues, it’s essential to examine its implications on authenticity and the value of human expression.

The first video highlights Medium's recent ban on AI-written content, discussing the rationale behind this decision and its potential consequences for the platform.

Chapter 3: Weighing the Pros and Cons of AI Writing

In this chapter, we delve into the benefits and drawbacks of using AI for writing purposes.

The second video breaks down the advantages and disadvantages of employing AI for crafting press releases, providing insights into how these tools can be effectively utilized while maintaining integrity.