From handwritten essays to AI generated content – Content creation is evolving and so should you.
By Allan Juncher Pedersen, Product Engineering Lead at WorkPoint
From handwritten essays to computers, then spelling correction, grammar control, and now AI for content generation – technology has completely reshaped how we create content, communicate, and get things done.
Recently, I had an interesting conversation with a colleague about how we use different AI tools for content generation. It made me reflect on my early experiences with computers, and how computers were also seen – for better and for worse – as a “disruptor” to how we generated content back then as well.
Growing up in Denmark, I clearly remember being judged in school by the neatness of my handwriting – and it’s no secret that I didn’t exactly excel at this. My handwriting was somewhat “creatively unique”. However, the introduction of the PC changed the name of the game for me. I was no longer held back by my ‘less than perfect’ penmanship, and my grades improved significantly. Why? Because the PC allowed me to direct all my effort and energy into my ideas.
I still remember being accused of “cheating” because I had figured out how to efficiently use the PC before it became common practice among students. Which I suppose is still a valid discussion today if we swap out PC with AI. Is it cheating when using AI to generate content today? At work? In academia? It’s not a new question, and some will say yes, others no. But are we really cheating when using readily available modern technology to enhance our performance, or are we simply being clever by leveraging these technologies to maximize our potential – just as we did with computers?
The evolution of meetings
Take the evolution of meetings, for example. We went from sitting in stuffy boardrooms to joining virtual ones in pyjama pants during the COVID-19 pandemic. Both have their pros and cons. Today, I daily attend online meetings at WorkPoint with people that are all in the same office. Might seem silly, but the tools in Microsoft Teams simply just make the meetings more efficient.
In the past, meetings were often constrained by geography. Now, with tools like Microsoft Teams and Zoom, we can connect with colleagues and clients from around the world in real-time. This has not only made meetings more efficient but also more inclusive. People who might have been excluded due to travel constraints or time differences can now participate fully.
However, this shift hasn't been without its challenges. Virtual meetings can sometimes feel less personal, and technical issues can disrupt the flow of conversation. But overall, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. The ability to share screens, collaborate on documents in real-time, and record meetings for later review has truly changed how we work together.
AI and content generation
Similarly, AI tools like Copilot for content generation bring both excitement and a little scepticism – for good reason. Sure, they help us work faster and smarter, but they also come with their fair share of issues.
Remember spellchecking and grammar tools? They’re not perfect, but we’ve learned to live with them, right? AI is the same. It’s powerful, but it still requires us to think. Your AI output will rarely be much better than your AI input – the result will depend on you.
Writing on a PC didn’t magically make me a better writer - it just removed one of my weaknesses. Spellcheck didn’t make my grammar flawless, but it sure helped. And now, AI copilots? They’re my secret weapon against a terrifying blank page. They don’t just save time - they help me focus on the fun stuff that I enjoy: crafting ideas, building narratives, and making my work come to life.
AI tools can analyze vast amounts of data quickly and provide insights that would take humans much longer to uncover. For example, an AI tool can scan through thousands of customer reviews to identify common themes and sentiments. This allows companies to respond more effectively to customer needs and improve their products or services.
However, it's important to remember that AI is not without issues, as I mentioned. It can make mistakes or produce biased results if not properly managed. That's why human oversight is crucial. We need to ensure that AI tools are used ethically and responsibly.
The human element
And with that being said, AI tools don’t replace human effort – they enhance it, like a good sidekick. They can make you look great, but to do that they still need YOU. Throughout history, every new tool, from typewriters to PCs to AI assistants, has given us an edge. But the constant factor? Human creativity, judgment, and adaptability.
Did I use AI to help me write this article? Yes, I did. Did it still take effort, thought, and maybe a break or two? Absolutely - so yes you could say I “cheated”.
The key takeaway here is that while technology can enhance our capabilities and make our lives easier, it cannot replace the human input necessary. Our creativity, critical thinking, and ability to adapt are what truly set us apart.
For instance, consider customer service chatbots powered by AI. They can handle routine inquiries efficiently and provide quick responses to common questions. But when it comes to complex issues or emotional support, human input cannot be replaced.
Similarly, in content creation, AI can help generate ideas or even draft articles based on specific guidelines. But it's up to us as humans to add that final touch – the nuance and personality that make our content truly engaging.
Embracing AI knowing its limitations
So where does this leave us? As individuals, organizations, customers, partners, anyone interested in using AI for different purposes - it's time to embrace these tools while fairly recognizing their limitations.
Let's leverage AI copilots and assistants not as replacements but as enhancements – sidekicks to help us reach our goals faster while being able to focus on the part of each task we truly enjoy! Whether you're looking at improving your meeting efficiency with virtual tools or enhancing your content creation process with AI assistance – remember, it's your creativity combined with these tools that will get you there.
If you’re ready to take your productivity game up a notch, try exploring how WorkPoint's solutions can help you take advantage of AI technology without losing sight of what makes your business unique – you and your data.