A Blog Series Written by Tim Charlet - Goldfish Code Director of Client Strategy - Sales & Marketing

In 2023, like a plague of locust, AI (Artificial Intelligence) bombarded our daily lives. And no, Skynet didn't officially debut their T-1000 terminator. No - something far worse happened, AI generated written content was introduced to the masses.

OK, perhaps that's an alarmist point of view and a bit hyperbolic.

But the fact is, over the past three years, AI has made remarkable progress in content creation, becoming a useful tool for generating written material efficiently.

However, it's just a tool. Similar to how the calculator improved our ability to process basic math, or spell check improved our ability to edit written content. But for whatever reason, AI writing platforms of today are being used by some companies for digital content creation.

Despite all its advancements, AI-driven content creation still has a few limitations that prevent it from completely replacing human writers. In fact, believing that AI can replace a human writer can lead to a monumental failure.

But doesn't mean AI doesn't have a place in content creation now and moving forward. The trick is figuring out how to use it in a way that's effective.

In the information below, we’re going to explain the current limitations of using AI for crafting content online, with an emphasis on AI content platforms – like ChatGPT and Jasper.

This is just the beginning of our three-part blog series. We're also going to dive into the impact of relying solely on AI for writing digital content. We'll also introduce a proven process that proactive businesses can use to make sure their content captures, captivates, and converts your website visitors.

So, let's get started.

Limitation #1 - Lack of Genuine Creativity

Although AI can generate coherent sentences and paragraphs, it falls short when it comes to the innate creativity and imagination that human writers possess.

Unlike AI systems, human writers can think outside the box, allowing them to produce truly unique and thought-provoking content that captivates readers and sparks their imagination. 

And since Google considers engaging content as a top priority when ranking pages on their platforms, AI-generated content can hurt your SERPs.

In industries that demand innovation and originality, like marketing and sales-generated writing, the lack of genuine creativity becomes incredibly apparent to the reader - and to search engines - likewise powered by AI solutions.

Limitation #2 - Contextual Understanding

AI systems have made huge strides in natural language processing, but they still have a bit of trouble really understanding all the subtleties and context of language.

The nuances of humor, local and pop culture references often slip past AI's monumental digital brain, resulting in content that might seem flat, generic, or even inappropriate in certain contexts.

Human writers have a knack for adjusting their tone and style to cater to specific audiences, something that AI still finds challenging to do consistently.

Limitation #3 - Limited Emotional Intelligence

Writing goes beyond conveying information; it has the power to evoke emotions and forge a deep connection with the intended audience.

AI may be able to mimic emotions, but when it comes to genuine emotional intelligence, it falls short. You see, the skill of empathizing with readers, understanding their feelings, and creating content that truly connects on an emotional level is something that only human writers possess.

Limitation #4 - Inaccurate Information

AI depends on the data it has been trained on. Although it can extract information from different sources, it is not without flaws.

AI-generated content runs the risk of incorporating outdated, incorrect, or biased information, which can have a detrimental effect on its credibility.

In contrast, human writers possess the invaluable skills of critical thinking and fact-checking, allowing them to uphold the highest standards of accuracy and reliability in their work.

Limitation #5 - Voice and Branding Consistency

Maintaining a consistent brand voice is essential for businesses of all kinds. While AI can be trained to mimic a specific style, it may encounter challenges in capturing the nuanced voice that differentiates a brand.

Some talented human writers have an amazing ability to embody a brand's personality and adapt it as needed based on the intended audience. They play an important role in maintaining the authenticity and trustworthiness of the content.

Limitation #6 - Complex and Specialized Content

AI is great at generating straightforward, information-based content. But when it comes to highly technical, specialized, or nuanced subjects, AI often falls short.

You know, those topics that require a human touch and understanding.

Limitations of using AI for crafting content online are often visible in fields such as manufacturing, medical research, legal documentation, or intricate technical information, which demand a profound comprehension that AI finds challenging to recreate without human guidance.

It is this distinct human touch that adds a touch of genuine reality - making these digital platforms truly come alive.

Wrapping it Up

The role of AI in content creation has evolved, providing time-saving solutions for generating specific types of content. However, it's important to acknowledge that limitations of using AI for crafting content online are still present when it comes to writing online content in 2023.

While AI can be a great tool to support human writers and make certain tasks more efficient, it can never truly replicate the depth, creativity, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking that human writers bring to the table.

In the realm of businesses and industries that value authenticity, uniqueness, and forging a genuine connection with their audience, the significance of skilled human writers cannot be overstated. They possess an irreplaceable quality that captivates and enthralls.

In our next blog, we’ll dive into the possible ramifications of depending on AI for creating your digital content – and how AI platforms themselves are designed to flag this type of content.

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