AI myths debunked: What freelancers really need to know

From ChatGPT to DALL-E 2, there’s no getting away from AI generation tools these days — especially when you do your own marketing. For many freelancers, solo entrepreneurs, and small business owners, the idea of ‘artificial intelligence’ — or AI — can be daunting, drumming up images of robots typing away and whipping up blog posts in a matter of seconds. 

Of course, that’s not quite how it works — but, when harnessed properly, AI can be incredibly useful in an array of industries. However, it’s important to recognise both the advantages and the pitfalls of AI to help you get the most out of it.  

There’s a lot of conflicting information about AI tools out there, so let’s take a look at debunking some common myths.

Myth 1: AI will take over

Now, this is a very broad, dramatic statement! Many different industries use forms of AI, from self-driving cars to tools that help healthcare professionals find patterns in data.

We’re going to narrow the scope a little and focus on the worry that artificial intelligence is on a path to making content creators, designers, artists, and other creative freelancers obsolete. 

AI tools, such as content generators, can indeed speed up tasks. For example, you can use language processors and chatbots to generate blog titles, write email copy, and even create fictional stories. However, to do this, you still need human input. Somebody needs to add a prompt to help shape the results, and that requires an element of creativity. 

Myth 2: AI tools offer a copy-and-paste solution

In a similar way, the results aren’t perfect right away, either. They need a human touch to tweak and sculpt the content into something your customers or clients will want.

Often, AI-generated content feels as though it’s missing something. Have you ever read a blog post that’s answered some common questions but just seems a little lacklustre? Maybe you’ve seen an AI image that meets the brief but just has no spark. 

To get the most out of AI content, you need to add your own spin on it. The most engaging content has a bit of relatability — something your readers or viewers can apply to their own lives. And this is something to always keep in mind whenever you’re using AI tools. 

Whenever you use AI, make sure you review the results really carefully — the information provided isn’t always accurate! 

Myth 3: AI is more intelligent than humans

Because AI is always developing and always learning, it can seem as though it’s developing a mind of its own and getting scarily clever!

However, it’s difficult to directly compare human and machine learning intelligence. AI tools certainly excel in certain areas, from analysing data to pattern recognition and even strategising chess games.  Generally, AI works best with clearly defined tasks — but what about more nuanced and creative endeavours? Human intelligence is multifaceted, giving us the ability to adapt, offer empathy, and think in a more abstract way. 

So while AI can compute, calculate, and use given information to generate similar results, it doesn’t have the same level of flexibility to create organically.

Using AI tools to boost your productivity

Some people love using AI tools, while others are wary. However, this technology can be a great way to speed up your processes — something many freelancers struggle with. When you’re spinning lots of plates, from booking client meetings and creating products to networking and social media marketing, it’s helpful to have some streamlining support. 

Here are a few ways you can harness AI to grow your business:

• Use AI tools to automate time-consuming, repetitive tasks 

• Run any written content through an AI grammar checker, like Grammarly or Hemingway — this can speed up your proofreading. You can also use these tools to check for plagiarism.

• Try AI writing tools to create blog titles or content outlines. You can add your own flair to the body of the content but AI can give you a head start — especially if you have a bit of writer’s block.
  

Striking a balance

AI has its perks but it also comes with limitations, so using it effectively requires a balance. It can assist you in generating more content quickly and getting a sense of consistency but it’s also important to let your human creativity shine through, too. 

Freelancing insights from Bizzybee

Artificial intelligence is a fascinating and ever-changing field that’s shaping the way that many of us work. If you want to be part of the conversation and stay up to date with everything business, freelancing, and technology, why not check out Erin from Bizzybee’s socials?