Is it Cheating to Use AI?
February 11, 2025
Dear Mr. Higgonbottom,
I’m torn. My colleagues rave about ChatGPT and other AI tools, and after trying them, I see why—they’re great for breaking writer’s block, condensing ideas, and formatting documents.
But here’s the catch: I feel like I’m “cheating,” relying on technology instead of my creativity.
What’s your take? Am I overthinking this?
Dear Creative Conundrum,
Great question—and a timely one, given the rapid spread of these new technologies! But instead of giving you a straightforward answer, let me pose a query of my own:
How much of the work are you letting Gen AI do for you, and what kind?
Imagine you’ve been tasked with writing a 250-word press release announcing that BigTech Corp.—a leading international widget manufacturer—is adopting a net-zero pledge in response to shareholder concerns. Naturally, you turn to your Gen AI tool of choice for assistance. And just as naturally, it churns out a press release that’s precisely 250 words long.
Great, right? Job done!
Well … not quite. There are still a few critical steps to take:
1. Fact Check
Read the text carefully, verify its accuracy, and correct any errors. Gen AI tools are impressive, but they’re not infallible. They can draw the wrong conclusions, misinterpret complex topics, or even fabricate details if the provided source material is insufficient. For example, consider the infamous “pizza glue” story—an illustration of how AI can generate plausible but entirely false content. Always double-check to ensure accuracy and credibility.
2. Tone Check
Ensure the text strikes the right tone and aligns with your stakeholders’ expectations. Content writers must balance conventions, formatting, and messaging priorities. Returning to our press release, imagine BigTech Corp. wants to highlight its construction of a solar power plant in Kalamazoo as proof of its commitment to ESG goals. If the AI instead produces vague boilerplate text, you risk accusations of greenwashing—and unhappy stakeholders. Fixing the tone ensures the message resonates with its intended audience.
3. Style Check
Use this opportunity to put your own spin on the content. While Gen AI tools excel at generating coherent text, they often lack creativity and flair. Because these tools rely on statistical predictions about word patterns, their output can sometimes feel predictable or uninspired. A human touch can elevate the text, adding memorable turns of phrase and enhancing its overall impact.
The Bottom Line
Gen AI tools are undeniably useful, particularly when you’re stuck or tackling a challenging writing task. They can help with brainstorming, formatting, and productivity. However, they have limitations that demand careful oversight. Fact checks, tone checks, and style checks are essential steps to ensure the final product meets the highest standards. Skipping these steps can lead to errors, missed opportunities, and diminished quality.
By respecting the capabilities and constraints of these tools, you can leverage them effectively—without feeling like you’re cutting corners.
Yours in digital diligence,
