If you've seen these phrases used across the internet, that's because you're reading content that has been ChatGPT-generated, or generated by another AI application.
Be Authentic and Unique in Your Work
Aim to be as authentic and unique as possible in your work, whether freelancing or working for an employer.
How many times have you been excited to read a riveting article or other content piece on a website or social media, only to encounter redundant phrases such as:
- "In the evolving landscape of..."
- "In a world where..."
- "It's more than just a [subject of comparison]; it's a [whatever the replacement is]."
If you've seen these phrases used across the internet, that's most likely because you're reading content that has been ChatGPT-generated or generated by another AI application. Unfortunately, this practice makes all digital content look the same: robotic, devoid of emotion, cliched, meaningless, and lacking personality or natural flavor.
Approximately 62% of workers (66% of Gen Z and 63% of Millennial professionals) admit to using ChatGPT or other AI chatbot tools for work, according to a Glassdoor survey, up from 43% last year. This includes responding to emails and messages, relaying critical information via PowerPoint or Google Slides, and creating and sharing content for the company's website and socials. ChatGPT and AI as skills are so interwoven with work that they are repeatedly mentioned in job adverts and sought out by employers.
However, it's essential to recognize that ChatGPT, like any other tool or application, is only a tool. This means it augments and assists you in getting the work done more efficiently and, in many cases, improves grammar and clarity of writing. But under no circumstance should it ever entirely replace human effort or touch.
How Not To Use ChatGPT In 2024
If you copy and paste ChatGPT-generated responses just the way they read, you lose a valuable opportunity to inject your creativity, unique angle and personality, writing style, and the richness of human vocabulary—thus connecting with your intended audience.
After all, whether you're a freelancer or working for an employer, you're being paid to bring your unique value and expertise to the table—not to rely on the inauthentic responses of ChatGPT or any other AI application.
Signs of Overuse of ChatGPT
Here are some tell-tale signs that you might be able to spot in online content that usually indicates that ChatGPT has been used too heavily:
- Generic advice or information
- Redundant use of phrases and words and a repetitive style that you can spot as a pattern in the way the text is structured
- Almost identical length of sentences
- Grammatical errors
Common ChatGPT words to avoid: foster, delve, dive, landscape, dynamic, embark, realm, vital, transformative, "it's important to note," and "it's a testament to."
ChatGPT Detectors
These days, there are also ChatGPT detectors (ironically, AI-powered) that can tell if you are using AI to write substantial blocks of your written content—and it doesn't leave a positive impression on your clients, employer, or other intended audience at all.
Some of the best ChatGPT or AI content detectors include ZeroGPT, Grammarly's AI checker, and BrandWell.
While these tests are not usually 100% accurate, they generally provide insight as to whether what you've produced is authored by a human or not.
How To Use ChatGPT In 2024
What is the best way to use ChatGPT for work and other creative tasks? In moderation. AI (artificial intelligence) is only effective as it utilizes human input, problem-solving, research, and creativity.
The worst way to use ChatGPT would be to copy and paste exactly what it says. Instead, use it creatively in these ways within your work:
- For brainstorming ideas
- To structure and outline written content
- To repurpose or rewrite your existing content into a more engaging and concise format
- To get your wheels turning when you feel like you're experiencing a brain freeze
Whether you're a freelance writer, blogger, marketing manager, or hold any other role in communications, sales, and marketing, inject your work with your expertise and trust your originality.
Engage your audience wherever they are by inflecting your own sense of style and using AI as an assistant rather than a replacement. Be authentic, not an AI clone. Use ChatGPT as an assistant. It's not doing your job for you. Know the difference.
Follow me on Twitter or LinkedIn. Check out my website.
Rachel Wells
Editorial Standards
Forbes Accolades
Contributor,Rachel Wells