Kayleigh-May's Digital Digest

The topic of AI has popped up in my conversations time and again. As a fervent writer with a passion that dances across both creative and academic realms, I’ve contemplated deeply on how to harness AI’s potential. In an era where teachers grapple with discerning whether a student’s submission is their own, the line between use and misuse of AI blurs. Yet, as someone who champions the mantra “adapt or get left behind,” I’m convinced there’s a harmonious middle ground. (Fun factoid, I was asked once in a job interview how I felt about change, my response “adapt or die” was written down by the interviewer. I got the job).

Gary Vaynerchuk once compared AI to a tractor. It’s not an agent of replacement; it’s a tool of empowerment, designed to enrich the soil of our creativity and yield a more bountiful harvest. Let’s navigate this landscape together and discover how to masterfully employ AI in the realm where our creativity blooms.

My first thought on spending a weekend playing with Chat GPT is that you will be amazed if you use it correctly, but I now wonder how many works are soley written by our AI friend. Will we lose the touch of human creativity?

Don’t: Copy-Paste Without Thought

While it may be tempting to take AI-generated content and run with it, remember that an exact copy of a prompt’s response can be as uninspired as a stock photo in a handcrafted photo album. It lacks your personal touch and could mirror someone else’s work. (And I’ve tested this, if you ask it the same question through other accounts it gives a similar answer, I promise if you are using this for school work, your teacher can spot it a mile away)

Do: Teach AI Your Style

Just as you would break in a new pair of designer boots, you can ‘break in’ your AI. Spend time training it to mirror your unique writing style by providing samples of your past work. This helps AI understand your tone and preferences, making for a more seamless collaboration.

Don’t: Assume AI Understands Nuance

AI can sometimes miss the subtle nuances of human emotion and cultural context. It’s essential to infuse these finer touches yourself to ensure the content resonates on a human level.

Do: Craft Detailed Prompts for Custom Feedback

After writing your own verbiage, and getting it to where you like it, then treat AI like a copy editor. The more precise the instructions you give, the better the fit. Ask for grammar checks and constructive critiques – Specify the outcome you are looking for, and it will tell you how it reads.

Don’t: Overlook the Need for a Human Editor

Remember, AI is the sous-chef in your kitchen, but you’re the head chef. Always taste-test the dish before serving. A human editor can catch nuances and errors that AI might overlook.

Don’t: Forget to Add Your Personal Flair

AI can lay the foundation, but it’s your unique flair that turns a house into a home. Sprinkle in personal anecdotes, your signature humor, and insights to elevate AI-generated content. (AI is horrid at writing jokes!)
I asked it for a joke to go with this post and this is what it returned:

Why did the content creator break up with the AI? Because every time they asked for space, AI kept filling it with more words!

Do: Use AI as a Creative Springboard

Let AI spark your imagination, then leap beyond its initial ideas. Rewrite with your creative zest, check for errors, and use AI-generated text as a launchpad for your own flights of fancy.

Don’t: Neglect to Double-Check Facts

AI can sometimes be as confident as it is mistaken. Verify any facts or figures it provides, ensuring that your content isn’t just compelling but also credible. AI is powerful, but it’s not infallible. “ChatGPT can make mistakes,” as the disclaimer gently reminds us. Trust, but verify. Use AI as a draft, not the final say.

Do: Summarize and Analyze Data

Lean on AI’s analytical prowess to process and summarize data. It can help you spot trends and insights that inform smarter content strategies. The new Data Analysis feature through the Chat GPT site is phenomenal at breaking down data to sizeable chunks by reading a file.

Don’t: Use AI as a Crutch

While AI can offer a leg up, don’t let it carry you. Rely on your own knowledge and instincts to guide the direction and substance of your content.

Do: Enhance Vocabulary and Sentence Structure

Ever have a moment where you know there is a better word or way of phrasing: AI can be your thesaurus and your grammar guide, helping you choose the perfect words and craft sentences with rhythm and clarity.

Don’t: Shy Away from Teaching AI

Invest time in teaching AI about your brand’s voice and content preferences. This upfront effort pays dividends in the long run, yielding more personalized and on-brand content. This will come in handy when trying to come up with ideas for Instagram or Facebook posts.

Which leads us to:

Do: Seek AI Inspiration for Social Media Posts

When your social media content feels as stale as last season’s trends, turn to AI for a fresh dose of inspiration. Ask it to brainstorm catchy headlines, playful captions, or trendy hashtags that resonate with your audience. It’s like having a virtual brainstorming buddy who’s always ready to throw in some creative sparks, ensuring your social feed stays as lively and engaging as a spontaneous runway show in the heart of downtown.

Reminding us that you:

Don’t: Post AI Verbiage Verbatim on Social Platforms

Remember, while AI can be your backstage crew, helping with ideas and scripts, never let it take center stage on your social platforms. Using AI-generated text word-for-word can ruffle the feathers of Instagram and Facebook algorithms, which are getting sharper at spotting AI’s handiwork. Keep your social media presence as authentic as a vintage Chanel – always add your own flair to the AI’s suggestions to keep the algorithms (and your followers) charmed and engaged.

Do: Get Playful with AI-Generated Images

Experiment with AI for your visual content, but scrutinize those tricky details that can sometimes go awry, like the human hands and eyes. Check out DALL-E on Chat GPT

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I believe Gary Vaynerchuk likened AI to the tractor for a reason—it’s a tool of empowerment. By keeping these do’s and don’ts in mind, you can harness AI to enhance your work without losing the essence of what makes it distinctly yours.

It is essential that you blend the efficiency of AI with the irreplaceable creativity of the human mind, and watch as your content reaches new heights of engagement and impact.

XOXO,

Kayleigh-May