Embracing Controversy to Differentiate Your Writing from AI

Writing Tip:  AI writing shies away from controversy. It will never default to serving as a platform for advocacy or debate. To make your writing sound differentiated from ChatGPT, take a stance.

AI writing stands out for its cautious approach, particularly when it comes to “controversial” or contentious issues. AI systems are programmed to maintain neutrality and avoid inflammatory rhetoric. 

While this tendency probably helps the organizations creating these AI systems to avoid legal issues or flak, it also results in writing that lacks conviction and passion. 

To differentiate your writing from AI writing, embrace controversy, and take a clear stance on issues. Depending on your audience, you’ll be much more powerful if your writing is built on a foundation of your deepest convictions. What are your personal values? How do your writing insights map back to those values? 

When readers get the signal that your writing is the product of human reflection, they’re more likely to connect with it. You’ll actually enrich the discourse and invite engagement if your writing is brave and opinionated. 

We asked ChatGPT what it thought of Donald Trump, a decidedly “controversial” figure of our day. The query received this response:  

I'm here to provide information and facilitate discussions on a wide range of topics, including public figures such as Donald Trump. My responses are designed to be neutral, informative, and respectful of all viewpoints. If you have specific questions about Trump's policies, political career, business ventures, or any other aspects of his public life, feel free to ask!

AI can produce vast amounts of text, but your authentic human perspective - complete with your own biases and imperfections - can contribute to the discourse in a way that AI is not programmed to do.