Is technology always a blessing, or does it sometimes tread the fine line of becoming a curse?

With the emergence of Chat GPT the digital world has gone into overdrive. Its capabilities push the boundaries of what we once thought possible, making it a topic of admiration and debate. 

A Candid Confession


When I first encountered Chat GPT, my emotions were a whirlwind. "Good grief, and have mercy," I thought. As a writer, business coach, and digital media expert, the implications of such a tool seemed earth-shattering. Would our professions face obsolescence? 


Would AI replace us all? But as client inquiries about Chat GPT surged, my perspective shifted. I realised this wasn't a tool to fear but to understand. Immersing myself in a rigorous Chat GPT master course, the knowledge I garnered was enlightening and business-altering for our clients in the small business world. 

Echoes from the Past: The Motor Car Parallel


History is rich with instances of innovations facing scepticism. When first introduced, the motor car was met with both wonder and doubt. The horse and buggy era was waning, and the automobile was ascending, reshaping our world. Just as the motor car didn't eliminate the need for transportation but revolutionised it, Chat GPT doesn't eradicate professions but offers a new dimension to them. 


We use cars to facilitate our journeys; we don't abandon travel. We didn't build the car ourselves to drive, did we? But we use the car. It's fair to say that we can learn lessons from this enterprise also, without question. In the same vein, Chat GPT is a tool to aid our professional endeavours, not replace them. 


"When the Paris Exhibition [of 1878] closes, the electric light will close with it and no more will be heard of it."

- Erasmus Wilson, Oxford professor.

Of course, we now know that the electric light became one of the most transformative inventions of the 19th and 20th centuries.



The Strengths of Chat GPT


Chat GPT excels in various domains. It can generate content with a proficiency that can save countless hours. Whether you're drafting initial ideas for an article or seeking diverse viewpoints on a topic, Chat GPT is up to the task. 


Furthermore, as a research assistant, it can trawl through vast amounts of data, presenting insights that might take a human significantly longer to compile.



WHAT NOT TO USE IT FOR 


However, it's not a panacea. It has its limitations. Here's the catch: Chat GPT is not always infallible in its outputs. Depending on it, unquestioningly, for every answer is a rookie mistake. For instance, always double-check when you're seeking statistics or specific citations. Accuracy is paramount. 


Moreover, while it's a terrific tool for preliminary drafts, when writing blogs or articles etc, the final piece's human touch, emotion, and authenticity cannot be overlooked. Genuine human connection, the nuances of emotion, and the depth of understanding are aspects uniquely ours, which a machine, no matter how advanced, can't fully replicate. 

Our current advice? DON'T use it for hashtags, emojis and be wary of repetitive language. Above all else, don't copy and paste copy into your website directly from ChatGPT, your SEO will thank you for it! 


Keeping It Real 


Authenticity is the currency of today's digital age. While Chat GPT can be a tremendous initial aid in content creation, the final output must resonate with your unique voice. Plus, there's a discernible difference between AI-generated content and human-crafted narratives. So, while it's tempting to lean heavily on this digital marvel, striking a balance is the key to genuine, impactful content. You need to know what you are doing to get the best out of this powerhouse. 

Prompts are your best friend! We are prompt engineers and it really does blow us away the POWER of ChatGPT and the incredible things it can do; and it doesn't involve creating spammy AI language content. 



The Wisdom of Balanced Reliance


There's no denying it: Chat GPT is revolutionary. But as with all tools, understanding when and how to deploy it is crucial. It's here to complement our skills, not overshadow them. Think of it as a capable assistant, always ready to help but not quite ready to take the lead.


Just as the motor car didn't eliminate the need for journeying but revolutionised how we travel, Chat GPT offers new avenues without negating the irreplaceable human touch. Embrace the innovation, but tread with awareness and integrity. And remember, if Chat GPT ever cheekily says, "I'll be back," perhaps it's time for a brief pause and chuckle!



Are you struggling to keep up with endless business tasks and looking for an efficient solution?


CHATGPT: THE SUPER GUIDE FOR SMALL BUSINESS


An indispensable manual for leveraging ChatGPT, replete with over 250 field-tested prompts, tailor-made for the busy small business owner. This guide has an intro to help you understand ChatGPT, and all the prompts were engineered, tried and tested by us to help small business owners.  


We have engineered some very cool bonus prompts that will blow your mind! Click here for more information. 



Interested in boosting your marketing or learn more about how to amplify your Digital Media efforts? Check out the Digital Solutions Program, based in Victoria, the program is for eligible small business operators and we are very humbled to be mentors for the program. You can check it out here:  digitalsolutions.melbourneinnovation.com.au

Click to Read More Articles

Return to our News page and find out more tips and ideas.