Spot the Difference: AI-Generated vs. AI-Assisted Writing

Editor – Mugilganesh RM

In today’s digital age, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) has become a hot topic of discussion. Many of my peers here in TAPMI, as well as some professors, have developed a knack for spotting AI-generated content just by looking at it. This ability, honed through extensive interaction with tools like ChatGPT, often brings a sense of pride that we can identify AI-generated content without the use of software like Turnitin. However, this skill also raises an important question: Can we truly differentiate between content fully generated by AI and content where AI has merely assisted in structuring and refining the author’s thoughts?

The Perception of AI-Generated Content

When you come across a piece of text that seems AI-generated, have you ever considered the possibility that the author might have used AI not to generate the entire content but to structure and polish it? There is a significant difference between these two approaches. While AI can generate content from scratch based on prompts, it can also serve as a powerful tool to help authors organize their ideas and present them more coherently.

For example, think about a scenario where a student is drafting a report. The student might have all the key points and arguments in mind but struggles with the flow and structure. In this case, using AI to assist in organizing the report can make the content more readable and engaging without changing the student’s original ideas.

The Role of AI in Structuring Content

Imagine an author who has a clear idea of what should be included in the introduction, body, and conclusion of their article. They might know the key points they want to convey and the overall flow of thoughts. However, they might struggle with structuring these ideas in a way that is engaging and easy to follow. In such cases, AI can be used to assist in organizing the content without altering the original thoughts of the author.

This approach can still result in content that feels AI-generated because of the standardized way AI tools like ChatGPT write. However, the essence and originality of the thoughts remain those of the author. This raises an intriguing question: If an article has all the necessary inputs from the author and AI only helps in structuring it, should it still be considered AI-generated?

The Human Touch in AI-Assisted Writing

Consider this article itself. It might feel like it was created by ChatGPT to some readers or maybe to all, but the essence and thoughts behind it are entirely mine. ChatGPT has merely assisted in structuring and refining these ideas. If you were to feed the title “Spot the Difference: AI-Generated vs. AI-Assisted Writing” or a few prompts to ChatGPT and ask it to create an article, you wouldn’t get the same result without providing the core thoughts and essence that I have contributed. This highlights the importance of the human element in AI-assisted writing.

Moreover, AI can assist in eliminating writer’s block. When an author knows what they want to write but struggles to start or find the right words, AI can provide a starting point or suggest phrases, helping the author to move forward with their writing. This collaboration between human creativity and AI efficiency can result in high-quality content that remains true to the author’s vision.

Balancing AI Use with Skill Development

AI has become an indispensable tool in various aspects of our lives. From drafting emails to summarizing research papers, AI can save time and enhance efficiency. For instance, if you need to request permission for a night out for your sibling’s wedding, you can simply ask ChatGPT to draft an email for you. Similarly, when conducting a literature review, you can use AI to summarize key points from a research paper, streamlining the process.

While the convenience of AI is undeniable, it is crucial to strike a balance between relying on AI and developing our own skills. One major concern is that excessive use of AI might hinder the improvement of our writing abilities. This is true—AI can deteriorate your writing skills—but if you are not aspiring to be a great writer or planning to make money out of your writing, it is completely fine. In most situations, basic writing skills will suffice, and AI can handle the rest.

However, it’s essential to maintain a sound thought process. Relying on AI for ideas and content can have adverse effects on our cognitive abilities. We must ensure that we continue to develop our thinking and creative skills while leveraging the benefits of AI.

Corporate AI Adoption vs. Academic Caution:

Many companies have rapidly adopted AI tools to streamline various business processes, including content creation. For instance, organisations like JPMorgan Chase and PepsiCo are leveraging AI to generate marketing content and optimise customer interactions. Recognizing AI’s potential to enhance efficiency and productivity, these companies are heavily investing in AI technologies to maintain a competitive edge. According to a McKinsey report, high-performing companies extensively use AI in product development, risk management, and human resources, illustrating the strategic integration of AI across multiple business functions. 

In contrast, educational institutions are more cautious. They are lagging in integrating AI into their systems due to concerns about academic integrity and the potential impact on learning outcomes. For example, at TAPMI, there is only a brief mention of AI usage in the PGP handbook under section 9.4, highlighting the need for more comprehensive guidelines. Establishing such guidelines would help clarify the acceptable use of AI, ensuring that students can benefit from AI tools while still developing critical thinking and writing skills.

Conclusion: Embracing AI as a Collaborative Tool

Understanding the distinction between AI-generated content and AI-assisted writing is crucial in recognizing AI’s role in content creation. While AI can generate text from prompts, its true potential lies in helping authors structure and present their ideas more effectively.

The next time you encounter content that feels AI-generated, consider the possibility that AI might have been used to refine the author’s ideas rather than replace them. This perspective can help us appreciate the nuanced role of AI in writing and encourage responsible and ethical use of this powerful technology.

What are your views on using AI for writing? Should a B-School like TAPMI formulate comprehensive guidelines on the use of generative AI tools like ChatGPT? We would love to hear your thoughts. Feel free to reach out to us at tjef.tapmi@manipal.edu.