ChatGPT vs. Creatives: Will ChatGPT replace professionals?

Ah, yes. ChatGPT. The tool your boss probably won't stop talking about and the one your mom continues to fear.

If you don't already know, ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence tool to write just about anything. From asking the program to write an essay or tell you the best recipe for chocolate cake, this beta program provides near-instant results on seemingly any ask.

While it sounds like a futuristic way to gather information, it has created quite a stir in many industries. From education to design, ChatGPT and other AI programs have completed tasks that take humans hours in less than a minute.

For example, ChatGPT can write essays on virtually any topic. What would you have done with a tool like that while you were in school?

A student can type "write a 500-word essay with an introduction and conclusion about the War of 1812" and ChatGPT will work its magic. In seconds, the student can copy and paste the information, check it for accuracy, reformat it to protect against plagiarism, and put it in AP formatting. An assignment that once took hours now takes 10 minutes at most.

So why am I writing about this?

As a freelance copywriter, it can be incredibly easy to think that this tool is the way of the future for businesses. Here are five reasons why AI will not steal your job:

1. ChatGPT is not a mindreader. While the program might be a great way to build some copy quickly, it is not a skilled professional that responds to feedback. ChatGPT can be a great way to gather initial information, but it will not curate and customize it to fit the needs of a customer. For example, ChatGPT can easily write a cookie-cutter bio about a veterinarian but it doesn't know Dr. James on Main St. and her passion for working with gerbils.

2. AI is not accurate. Artificial intelligence programs, like ChatGPT, pull information from other sources. While the program is always learning, it is not always correct. ChatGPT has been known to repeat completely wrong information. Besides, artificial intelligence is called artificial for a reason. Think about going to a museum. Would you rather have a tour given to you by an expert enthusiast or a robot that pulls information that you could have searched for online yourself? It's a no-brainer.

3. ChatGPT takes away control. Want a blog post about the services you offer for your business? If you ask ChatGPT for this, they will gather whatever information they can find on the internet which likely doesn't exist. Having a person complete these tasks allows you to cater to your needs. Want to hire a copywriter to write a blog post about your services? You could have this person talk with your clients about what makes your business stand above the rest. Want to hire a graphic designer to design a new logo for your business? They could create a logo that even includes a nod to your family or your late friend's handwriting. While AI is great for quick tasks, it is not a replacement for expert custom projects.

4. AI is not an employee. What makes an employee different from a robot? While some people might speak in a monotone or not express feelings, humans are different from robots because of their way to draw on previous experiences. When it comes to creative work like writing or designing, robots are great at quickly putting something on paper but not at putting something that is necessarily useful or aesthetic. We hire people because of their previous work. We hire people because of their ability to grow and progress. We hire people because when they work with us, they get to know us. This is something that AI will never be able to do.

5. ChatGPT is like replacing an expert doctor with a medical encyclopedia. While they might have technically the same information, only one has been in the operating room. Sure you could technically refer to the encyclopedia for any information that you might need, but the seasoned doctor can explain it in a way that makes it easier to understand.

ChatGPT and other forms of artificial intelligence are undoubtedly great advancements in technology. While they are not a substitute for hiring professionals, they are great for brainstorming or even giving users a starting point in their projects. So go ahead, and ask ChatGPT to give you 10 facts about the Indianapolis 500. Just don't use it as a way to replace professionals.