By D. Maan, Jadetimes News
If AI concerns you for your job, look at copywriting for a preview of what's coming
In the beginning of 2023, he assumed the alias Benjamin Miller and took charge of a substantial group of writers and editors at a technology company that focuses on selling data. He found satisfaction in working together with his team on a wide range of subjects. Nevertheless, there were proposals to utilise artificial intelligence (AI) for the goal of reducing expenses. This initiative would commence by creating automatic article outlines using inputted headlines. Miller's staff adapted by composing articles based on these outlines, with Miller making final revisions prior to publication. Shortly thereafter, a more sophisticated stage of automation seen ChatGPT autonomously composing articles, resulting in the majority of Miller's crew being laid off. The individuals who were still there were given the responsibility of modifying the output generated by ChatGPT in order to improve its readability. In 2024, the corporation carried out team cutbacks, resulting in Miller being left to operate the company by themselves. He explained the process of adapting to a daily schedule focused on improving AI generated material that was formerly managed by a large workforce.
AI is already performing activities that were previously designated for human intellect in a variety of fields
Miller primarily characterised his position as the process of enhancing and polishing written content, eliminating any clumsy or excessively formal language. Although the process required more editing compared to working with human writers, the repetitious nature of the task made it seem monotonous and automated. His experience exemplifies a more extensive pattern observed in other industries, where artificial intelligence increasingly performs jobs that were formerly exclusive to human inventiveness. Although AI is frequently more cost efficient, those who have embraced it early on are becoming aware of its limitations in comparison to human abilities. Individuals like as Miller are progressively partnering with AI to incorporate a human element, even if AI has the potential to replace their professions. The current configuration may function as a provisional solution if AI experiences substantial advancements. Alternatively, Miller's experience may indicate comparable changes in other occupations.
The future implications of AI on employment are still indeterminate. Currently, we find ourselves at a critical juncture where forecasts vary from alarming projections of highly intelligent robots supplanting human work to the notion that such technical progress may never attain that degree. On the other hand, there is a perspective that proposes a future where artificial intelligence and humans work together instead of competing, indicating a possible change in the approach to work.
However, on a more localised level, some workers are already facing negative consequences. Large language models powered by generative AI thrive at creating unified writings, putting particular writers in the spotlight. The fear of losing jobs to AI powered writing tools was a major factor in the screenwriter's strike in the United States last year. Similarly, other creative sectors are concerned about their future as AI tools capable of creating images, audio, and video from scratch emerge.
We're providing the 'human touch' with extensive editing
The impact is clear in the realm of copywriting, where specialists create marketing materials and other content for firms. For some, AI is a blessing, speeding labour and encouraging creativity. However, many copywriters, particularly those who are just starting out, believe that AI is limiting their work opportunities.
Furthermore, a new form of low wage job has emerged: revising AI generated writing. "We're adding the human touch, which often means deeply editing the writing," explains Catrina Cowart, a copywriter from Lexington, Kentucky, USA who has expertise editing AI generated content. "The grammar and word choice frequently sound strange. We are continuously deleting too formal words such as 'therefore' and 'nevertheless' that do not belong in casual writing. Furthermore, fact checking is necessary since AI occasionally fabricates details, which can be time consuming. AI adds these minor mistakes in overlooked lines."
According to Cowart, humanising AI generated material typically takes longer than beginning from scratch, but the compensation is far cheaper. "On job platforms, rates typically max out around 10 cents (£0.08) per word for writing jobs, but for editing, it's usually only one to five cents (£0.008 to £0.04) per word," she complains. "It's tedious, unpleasant work, and the compensation is minimal." Similar examples can be found in other industries, where humans work quietly in lower paid professions to help automated systems, such as aiding with online shopping systems or labelling photos for AI training.