
Every time I get ready to click on the publish button, I can click on “AI Assistant.” Sounds interesting, doesn’t it? It sounds high tech, cutting edge, and futuristic. The subheading promises to “check for mistakes and verify the tone of your post before publishing.” Cool. It’s like asking someone proofreading my work before I put it out there for the world to read. How nice. I would appreciate that.
But when I gave it a try, AI basically said, “Your writing sucks.” I’ve tried this a few times, and here is the evaluation I typically get:
- You need to include more examples that support your main point. Tell a few more stories that will connect with your reader.
- Write a stronger introduction and conclusion to draw in the reader and make a lasting impression.
- Add more details, that is, add lots of adjectives to your description of people, places, and things. Let the reader see the details of the experience through your eyes.
- Say more about the location and surroundings, the people in the story, and how you felt in that moment.
I’ve never asked for much feedback about my writing. I know, that’s the only way to improve as a writer. Maybe I’ve never really thought of myself as a writer. Perhaps I’ve overestimated my skill as a writer. My skin might just be thinner than I thought.
In any case, I didn’t like the experience of being evaluated. I didn’t appreciate AI’s input. I probably wouldn’t like a real person’s input either. But I need that from both.
AI knows what billions of people have read and liked. It knows what will resonate with my small audience. Real people are a little too kind. They simply say, “Nice job! Loved it. Keep up the good work.” AI has no vested interest in me. It’s entirely neutral. It knows what goes viral.
Maybe I should pay more attention. Maybe I’m one step closer to going viral. Maybe my best-seller is just a few words away. Maybe AI is my newest best friend in the world of writing.