Career
My MBA Career: Debunking the Promise of AI in Simplifying Jobs
Last Updated on July 24, 2023 by Robert C. Hoopes
Title: Rise of AI-generated Content Presents Challenges for Media Industry
In a startling development for the media industry, the editor and publisher of renowned magazine Clarkesworld, Neil Clarke, recently announced the temporary closure of the magazine’s online submission form. Clarke, who has been at the helm of the publication for years, cited a flood of “consistently bad” submissions generated by artificial intelligence (AI) as the reason behind this unexpected move.
The onslaught of AI-generated content has not only doubled Clarke’s workload but has also raised concerns within his team that submission closures may become a recurring event in the near future. Despite widespread belief in AI’s potential to enhance productivity and generate job opportunities, the long-term effects and unintended consequences of relying on AI in content creation remain uncertain.
Across industries, Big Tech companies are heavily investing in AI-powered tools that promise to streamline work processes. However, reports from workers indicate that the widespread adoption of AI has resulted in increased workloads and intensified job demands. Many employees feel like “guinea pigs” as employers rush to implement AI, leaving residual tasks that still require human attention.
In the media industry specifically, AI-powered tools hold the promise of accelerating copywriting and editorial work. However, notable blunders and challenges have been encountered in relying on AI alone. Reports have emerged of embarrassing errors and inaccuracies in articles and news pieces generated by AI, causing concern among publishers and editors.
To combat the fallout from AI-generated content, some media outlets have attempted to incorporate AI-powered detectors. Unfortunately, these detectors have proven to be unreliable, particularly for writers whose second language is English. This has resulted in an increased burden on human writers to rectify the errors and inaccuracies missed by the AI detectors.
While the potential benefits of AI in enhancing efficiency and productivity are celebrated, it is crucial to address the challenges posed by this technology. The media industry, in particular, must find a delicate balance between utilizing the advantages of AI and preserving the integrity and quality of human-generated content.
As Clarke’s experience illustrates, AI-generated content poses a significant challenge to editors and publishers who must now combat a deluge of subpar submissions. It is clear that the industry must navigate these challenges carefully to ensure a sustainable future for journalism and editorial work amidst the rise of AI-generated content.