Ok, so this is my little rant for the month, and maybe not my only one.
Let’s get one thing out the way. I genuinly don’t mind changing with the times and adapting. I think change is good. Its good for business and you’re always learning. I’m all for using tools like Chat GPT to brainstorm, structure ideas, or get clarity when you’re stuck, although I don’t think you should rely on it so heavily. I’m not convinced it’s churning out 100% factual information.
But here’s where I draw the line…when people are using AI to generate fully written articles…full newsletters and then posting it as their own work. And what’s crazy is that they make out that they sat down and poured their thoughts onto the page and overnight realized they can write…like really, really well. I’m sorry, but where was this hidden talent before? What I can’t get my head around is people are actually falling for it. Readers genuinely believe it’s come from the persons mind.
This is happening a lot in the fashion and beauty space. These are industries where your voice matters and more importantly your experience. So how are seemingly switched on people/creators thinking it’s acceptable to basically con readers? Credibility matters…so much that if you’re getting AI to write your newsletters then in my opinion you no longer have credibility.
Literally overnight I’m seeing people (people I actually know) post polished pieces and educational guides with language and structure I know isn’t theirs. It’s disingenuous. And if you’re even slightly switched on, you can spot it instantly…there are tell tale signs that something has been written by AI; generic phrasing that you know the person never uses on any other platform, the chat GPT hiphen (you know…the extra long dash) and then there are the really deep thoughts or questions they add in. Again, not anything they’d say in real life. If you’ve read enough of it, you know. And when you’ve spoken to these people in real life (or even seen the odd IG story they’ve put up), when you’ve heard how they actually communicate…the disconnect is crazy.
It’s the kind of thing that genuinely makes me want to disassociate with the person…which is a shame, because you think a person is ok/normal etc and then they go and do something stupid like this. The second you realise someone’s work is something they didn’t actually write, you start questioning the sincerity of the person. It becomes so disappointing…not just because they’re basically lieing to readers, but because they thought no one would notice.
What’s even more frustrating is that people trust them. They believe what they’re reading is coming from someone with valuable insight and experience. The person may have valuable insight and experience, but by getting an app to write your articles which have not thought of your own put in…is deception in my eyes.
When I started out in the industry as a makeup artist in London, I also worked as Beauty Editor for a publication for a few years. My job entailed writing…a lot of writing articles that have been published. I’m also not saying that you should have a background in writing or published work to write newsletters. My point is that whatever you write should be your own work.
It makes me sad for the people who are actually writing…the people on substack who live and breath this. I’m not saying I live and breath writing…I’m keeping it real with you all, I love writing and putting my thoughts down for you all but I’m also not the most articulate person and my writing may seem ‘basic’ to experienced writers…but I’d like to hope my writing is somewhat similar to how I speak. I do appreciate the writers on substack whos work is genuinley from them. These are the people writing with integrity. It’s just such a shame that so many fraudsters have made it over to substack and are trying to gain a reputation they didn’t earn.
Honestly, I hope the industry starts waking up to it. If you’re writing on substack and don’t use AI and your work has been written how you speak it…I’m pretty sure you’ll win in the end. Also, if you write your own newsletter, drop it in the comments!
Why Everyone’s Putting Beef Tallow on Their Face
Beef tallow is having a moment. People are slathering it on their faces because it’s ancestral skincare, skin barrier healing, and clean beauty. By the way…it’s rendered cow fat.
Nina I am absolutely with you on this! AI generated work has been finding its way into my classroom where I teach English literature for so e time … and it’s so obvious ! It’s my job and passion to teach the art of appreciating, and writing about, beautiful pieces of writing. Not to mention teaching creative, individually composed writing. What’s even more disturbing is that talented kids are using AI. We are going to miss out on a generation of untapped, natural potential. Tearing my hair out ! 😤 By the way., your writing is far from basic as you put it. It’s always beautifully written, honest and authentic ❤️Karen, New Zealand.