All Entries,  Business and Work,  ChatGPT,  Communication,  Technology,  Writing and Publishing

Writers and Robots How to harness AI tools while staying authentic and original

If you’re a writer, you’ve probably heard the chatter: “Should writers use ChatGPT in their work? Is it cheating? If so, should my writing include disclaimers, informing readers that all or part of their work was produced using AI?”

Long before artificial intelligence took center stage, my daily routine began with a cavalcade of helpful technology: an electric coffee maker that kickstarted my morning, followed by my electric toothbrush, microwave, refrigerator, and dishwasher. Once in my office, I sat down on my ergonomic chair, before my desktop computer featuring two panoramic screens, a Bluetooth keyboard, wireless mouse, voice-to-text software, text-to-speech readers, and a Wi-Fi extender—all geared toward efficiency and creativity.

Should I include disclaimers for using those in my writing?

Let’s be honest. Writers have been relying on tools for decades. Apps like Google, Wikipedia, online dictionaries, and Grammarly are already staples of the writing process. Add those to writing prompts like Plot Factory, real-time editing tools, and the plagiarism checker Copyscape.

Should we include disclaimers for those, too?

I never once stopped to think: “I need to disclose these.” So why should the introduction of new tools like ChatGPT change things? What’s different now?


Navigating the Challenges of Using AI in Writing

While you’re trying to understand the role of tools like ChatGPT in the world of writing, you’re bound to hear a lot of opinions. Some people are all in, shouting “Game-changer!” Others? Not so much. They’re clutching their notebooks and muttering about the death of creativity and authenticity. But here’s the kicker: many of the loudest voices haven’t even used ChatGPT. It’s easy to fear something unfamiliar, especially when it’s wrapped in tech jargon and feels like it belongs more in a sci-fi movie than your creative process.

For new users of AI technology, there are simple ways to become comfortable integrating it into your existing work. Start by experimenting in a low-stakes way. Ask ChatGPT to brainstorm ideas for a project or rewrite a clunky sentence you’re stuck on. Think of it as a writing partner that’s happy to throw out suggestions, not a replacement for your creative voice. You’ll quickly realize that you’re still in control. ChatGPT helps you work smarter, not harder.

Authenticity and Originality

One of the first concerns writers express is how to maintain their sense of authenticity and originality when using AI. Think about it. We all have a unique voice, that ineffable quality that readers recognize even before they see our byline. It’s the thing that makes your writing yours, whether it’s a knack for clever wordplay, a distinctive tone, or the way you weave your ideas together.

But some writers fear their distinct style might get swallowed up by generic, machine-crafted prose. The result? Work that feels bland, homogenized, or, even worse, unrecognizable as theirs. It’s a valid concern, especially if you’re just starting to experiment with AI tools like ChatGPT. The key is to treat AI like an assistant, not a ghostwriter. You’re still the creative director, tweaking and shaping the output to align with your voice. By providing clear prompts and editing its responses, you can ensure the final product is as unique as your own fingerprint.

Then there’s the elephant in the room: plagiarism. AI doesn’t consciously copy—it’s not out there lurking in libraries with a trench coat and notebook. But its training on vast amounts of data that other people input can sometimes lead to unintentional replication. This is where things get sticky. For writers creating in professional or academic settings, even accidental plagiarism raises ethical and legal red flags.

So, how do you sidestep this issue? Start by running AI-generated text through plagiarism checkers to identify anything that might come too close for comfort. And here’s a pro tip: use AI to assist with drafts, but always rewrite, reframe, and inject your own perspective to ensure your work remains unquestionably yours. When used thoughtfully, AI doesn’t erase your authenticity—it simply amplifies it.

Over-Reliance

There’s also the concern about over-reliance. Picture a writer so dependent on AI that they lose touch with their own creative instincts. It’s like a pianist who uses auto-accompaniment for every performance and slowly forgets how to play solo themselves. Over time, this dependence can lead to creative stagnation, where generating fresh ideas feels nearly impossible without an AI prompt to kick things off. Writing is as much about trusting your instincts as it is about putting words on a page, and the fear is that too much reliance on AI could weaken that inner compass, leaving writers feeling disconnected from their own creative process.

Then there’s the issue of skill degradation. Storytelling, grammar, research—these are the bread and butter of the writing craft, honed through practice and repetition. But when AI takes over too much of the process, those skills can quickly start to erode. It’s a bit like using GPS for every single trip you take—sure, it gets you where you need to go, but over time, you forget how to get there on your own.

To avoid this, writers need to treat AI like a helpful assistant rather than a full-on chauffeur. Use it to complement your work, not take over entirely. Try drafting sections by yourself, editing without assistance, or diving into research the old-fashioned way. Balancing AI’s benefits with your own active participation will not only keep your skills sharp but also help you maintain a sense of ownership and pride in your work. After all, the most powerful tool you have isn’t AI—it’s still you.

Quality and Accuracy

Quality and accuracy are two major challenges that loom large when it comes to using AI tools. Sure, AI can sound impressively knowledgeable, but let’s not forget, it’s far from perfect. Factual inaccuracies have a way of sneaking into the output, often delivered with such confident phrasing that they seem credible. It’s like being handed a beautifully wrapped gift, only to find out the contents don’t quite match the packaging. For writers, this means taking on the role of a meticulous fact-checker, combing through the AI-generated text to catch any errors that could undermine your work.

An equally important problem relates to contextual misunderstanding. AI, as clever as it seems, doesn’t actually comprehend meaning the way humans do. It works by recognizing and predicting patterns, not by grasping intent. This can lead to subtle misinterpretations or even completely missing the mark on what you’re trying to communicate. A single poorly understood prompt can take your piece off in a direction you never intended, forcing you to spend more time revising than the tool actually saved you.

ChatGPT might be great at mimicking human language, but when it comes to humor, let’s just say it’s still learning the ropes. Sure, it can throw out a pun or craft a joke if prompted, but it doesn’t really understand what makes something funny. Humor relies on context, timing, cultural nuances, and sometimes a bit of shared human absurdity—all things that AI, with no true comprehension or lived experience, struggles to grasp. It’s like having a friend who’s memorized every joke book that’s ever been written, but doesn’t quite get why people laugh. The result? Humor from ChatGPT can feel a bit hit-or-miss, landing perfectly one moment and falling flat the next. While it’s improving, true comedic intuition remains firmly in the realm of human creativity. At least for now.

To work around these challenges, it’s crucial to be as precise as possible with your prompts and review the output critically. AI can be a powerful ally, but only if you stay in the driver’s seat to ensure the final product reflects your goals and standards.

Ethical Dilemmas

Ethical dilemmas surrounding AI in writing are another hot topic that sparks plenty of debate. Transparency is one of the biggest sticking points. Should writers openly disclose when they’ve used AI to assist with their work? In certain contexts—like journalism or creative writing—admitting to AI collaboration might raise eyebrows, with some people viewing it as a shortcut that undermines integrity. But staying silent about it might feel dishonest, leaving readers unaware of how much of the work was human versus machine. It’s a tricky line to walk, and what feels “right” can vary depending on the audience and purpose of the writing.

Then there’s the question of fair use, which introduces a whole other layer of complexity. If a writer monetizes content generated by AI, who truly owns the intellectual property? AI isn’t exactly an author—it’s a tool—but its training data comes from countless sources, often without explicit consent from creators.

These murky legal and ethical waters can make even the most confident writers hesitate, wondering where to draw the line. To navigate these challenges, it helps to be as transparent as possible, understand the limits of fair use, and always lean toward practices that align with your values, publisher guidelines, and audience. The ethical landscape of AI writing is still evolving, and staying informed is key to using these tools responsibly.

Creative Control

AI tools, for all their impressive benefits, can sometimes feel like creating art with a limited palette. Sure, they’re great at generating ideas and providing structure, but left to their own devices they often fall short when it comes to capturing the emotional depth and nuance that give writing its soul. It’s a bit like cooking with pre-measured ingredients—quick and convenient, but  missing that personal touch that makes a home-cooked meal unforgettable. AI can provide the framework, but the heart of the piece still relies on the human behind the keyboard.

Then there’s the challenge of customization. Getting AI to consistently nail a specific tone, genre, or speak to a niche audience can feel like wrestling with a machine that doesn’t quite get the vibe you’re going for. Writers often find themselves endlessly tweaking outputs, trying to coax the AI into delivering something that hits just the right notes. It’s a reminder that while AI can be a helpful assistant, it’s far from a mind reader.

To bridge this gap, writers need to experiment with prompts, fine-tune the input, and be prepared to do plenty of editing to shape the raw AI-generated output into something that feels authentic and truly theirs. Sometimes it will surprise you and generate something that amazes you and is better than what you anticipated. The trick is to write quality prompts, but still being openminded enough to accept what AI gives you.

Technical Limitations

Mastering AI tools isn’t as plug-and-play as the hype might lead you to believe. At the heart of it is prompt engineering—the skill (and, honestly, art form) of crafting inputs that deliver useful results. For newcomers to writing with AI, this can feel like learning an entirely new language. It’s not just about typing a question or a command. It’s about thinking strategically, testing various forms of phrasing, and refining prompts until you unlock the tool’s true potential. And let’s be real. It takes patience, experimentation, and more than a few missteps to get it right.

Then there’s the tricky balancing act of blending AI with traditional writing methods. It’s not as simple as handing the reins over to the machine and calling it a day. Writers have to figure out when it makes sense to lean on the tool—maybe for brainstorming or organizing ideas—and when their own instincts should take the lead. It’s a delicate dance, one that takes time to perfect, as you learn to harmonize the efficiency of AI with the authenticity and creativity that only you can bring to the table.

Job Security

One issue we just can’t ignore is job security. It’s a big one. Many writers are genuinely worried that AI could make their skills obsolete in industries where speed and cost-cutting often take precedence over creativity. And honestly, the fear isn’t entirely unfounded. As more organizations adopt AI tools to handle tasks that once required a human touch—blog posts, product descriptions, and even scripts—it’s easy to feel like the ground is shifting beneath your feet. Writers who’ve spent years honing their craft are left wondering, “Will there still be room for me in this AI-driven world?”

Adding to the anxiety is the issue of market saturation. With AI making it easier than ever to churn out content, the internet is quickly filling up with an endless stream of words. While quantity is booming, the challenge for human writers is figuring out how to stand out in a sea of AI-generated material. The sheer volume of content makes cutting through the noise harder than ever, leaving many wondering how to carve out a niche and maintain their individuality.

The silver lining? Authenticity and originality—those unmistakably human qualities—are still in demand, and they may just be the key to thriving in a market increasingly dominated by machines.

Ethical Concerns Around Bias

Bias is one of those silent challenges with AI, but it’s no less troubling. AI models are products of the data they’re trained on, and that data isn’t always perfect. It often carries the biases of the real world—stereotypes, exclusions, and blind spots—which can show up in the finished product. Writers striving for inclusivity may find themselves repeatedly correcting AI’s mistakes, spending valuable time rewriting and revising to avoid inadvertently reinforcing harmful narratives. It’s frustrating, especially when you’re trying to create content that amplifies marginalized voices rather than erasing or distorting them.

Compounding this problem are the limitations in diversity. While AI tools have access to vast amounts of data, they often lack the nuance required to authentically represent underrepresented experiences. AI simply can’t replicate the lived experiences or cultural insights needed to tell these stories with depth and care. For writers who champion these voices, the tool can feel less like a shortcut and more like an obstacle. Ultimately, while AI can assist with structure or brainstorming, writers may find themselves putting in extra effort to ensure their work remains true to their mission of inclusivity and authenticity.

Creative Ethics

Finally, there’s the philosophical question of collaboration boundaries. How much of a piece can—or should—be attributed to AI? If AI contributes significantly to a work product, does it dilute the writer’s ownership or creative identity?

These aren’t simple questions, and the answers often come down to a mix of personal values, audience expectations, and industry norms. Some writers might embrace AI as a collaborative partner, while others might draw a firm line to preserve the integrity of their personal creative process. Either way, it’s a delicate balance to navigate.

Reader expectations add an additional layer to the conversation. If an audience discovers that a piece they admired was partially or entirely AI-generated, how will they react? Some might shrug it off, but others could feel violated, as though the emotional connection they felt with the writer was somehow less genuine. Authenticity and trust are the foundations of the writer-reader bond, and AI’s involvement could raise doubts about both. For writers, the challenge isn’t just about how to use AI—it’s about how to ensure that their work still feels deeply, unmistakably theirs.

Striking the Right Balance

ChatGPT might not excel in every area, but finding the right niche can make all the difference in the world. Humor is a perfect example. Anyone familiar with ChatGPT knows one thing: it has no sense of humor—at least not the kind that humans are used to. It doesn’t understand irony, timing, or the subtle absurdities that make us laugh at a standup comedian. But that’s where you, the writer, comes in.

With the right guidance, ChatGPT can become an indispensable tool for blending unique dialects, euphemisms, and other language tropes into your work. It will never replace your wit, but it can certainly help you amplify it. While AI isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, in the hands of a creative human, it can thrive in the right niche—whether that’s spicing up dialogue, brainstorming, or playing with language quirks. So, get ready to experiment, because when used thoughtfully, AI can be a valuable partner in crafting something truly original. Let the fun begin!


Allen R Smith

 

Allen R Smith is an award-winning humor and ChatGPT writer living in Oceanside, California. He is a three-time award winner for America’s Funniest Humor and has published thousands of long and short-form articles in print, the web, and social media. Since 2023, he has been focused on producing a new type of humor writing using AI and ChatGPT.

In 2024 Smith published five books using the power and creativity of ChatGPT: Laughing Bytes: Mastering the Art of Humor Writing with ChatGPT,  Legends, Lies, and Looney Lore: Where History Meets Fantasy and Forgets About the Truth – Second Edition, From Meh? to Marvelous: 12 ChatGPT Lessons to Supercharge Your Humor Writing, Once Upon a Scandal: The Hidden Truths Behind Your Favorite Fairy Tales and Burps, Boogers, and Broken Rules: The Ultimate Guide to Being a Kid.

Leave a Reply