In today’s digital landscape, artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a progressively popular tool across various domains, including blogging.
WordPress integrated AI into its platform a few years ago, joining numerous other sites that now offer AI as an option.
I have witnessed many bloggers who are afraid of what AI can do, but I have also seen many bloggers embrace AI and utilise it for the benefits it can offer.
However, like any tool, there are pros and cons to consider.
What are your thoughts about using AI to blog?
This post examines the advantages and disadvantages of integrating AI into your blogging process.
Pros of Using AI in Blogging
1. Improved Efficiency
AI tools can streamline the writing process. From generating topic ideas to creating content drafts, AI can save bloggers considerable time, allowing them to focus on refining their unique voice and style.
This may prove beneficial to bloggers who publish daily, but those bloggers who publish less often may not see any benefit.
2. Enhanced Creativity
AI can assist in brainstorming and generating creative content ideas. With access to vast databases and algorithms that identify trends, AI can offer fresh perspectives and innovative suggestions.
However, some consider this to be plagiarism, a term that specifically refers to taking another person’s work—words, ideas, and so forth—and presenting it as one’s own without proper attribution.
Did you know that WordPress users can choose to stop their blog’s content from being shared with a WordPress-licensed network of content and research partners, including those that train AI models? To achieve this, navigate to your blog’s dashboard, select Settings—Reading, and tick the box next to ‘Prevent third-party sharing...’.
3. SEO Optimization
Numerous AI-based tools can analyse keywords and optimise content for search engines. They offer insights into the types of content that rank well, assisting bloggers in enhancing their visibility and reach.
I utilise AI to generate titles for blog posts when I struggle to think of a captivating title that will entice readers to read and engage further. Consequently, I have observed a significant increase in engagement and visitors to my blog.
4. Data-Driven Decisions
AI can analyse reader behaviour and feedback to inform content strategy. By understanding what resonates with the audience, bloggers can create more targeted and engaging content.
However, your WordPress statistics can also provide this information by analysing the stats of posts that receive higher engagement. Typically, you’ll observe a correlation between those posts that engage readers more and those that attract less engagement.
5. Consistency
AI can assist in maintaining a consistent posting schedule by automating aspects of the content creation process. This guarantees that the blog stays active and engaging for readers.
It is widely known that blogs which publish on a schedule tend to retain readers; however, it is unwise to publish content merely for the sake of it. There is nothing wrong with occasionally missing the publication of a blog post or taking a break from blogging. Nevertheless, if you choose to take the latter route, ensure that you inform your readers.
Cons of Using AI in Blogging
1. Lack of Personal Touch
AI-generated content often lacks the emotional depth and personal touch that human writers naturally provide. Readers tend to connect more readily with personal stories and unique experiences that AI is unable to replicate.
If you let AI compose all your posts, you’ll soon notice a decline in visitors and engagement.
2. Quality Control
While AI can generate content rapidly, the quality does not always meet high standards. Bloggers must review and edit AI-generated content to ensure it aligns with their voice and is factually accurate. Remember, it is your blog, not that of AI. Your voice matters.
3. Dependence on Technology
Over-reliance on AI can hinder writing skills. Bloggers may grow overly dependent on tools, stifling creative development and originality. This is particularly evident in the fiction world, where I have observed AI produce stories that lack emotion or feeling, thus making them dull and unappealing.
My advice is that if you use AI, mix it with your written content.
4. Ethical Concerns
The use of AI raises ethical questions, such as plagiarism (which I discussed earlier) and authenticity. Bloggers must ensure that their use of AI does not compromise their integrity or mislead their audience. Always check (and check again) what AI produces.
5. Costs
Although some AI tools are free, many come with a cost. For bloggers on a tight budget, investing in AI technology might not be practical. However, this won’t affect those who choose not to use AI.
Do I use AI in blogging?
Yes, I utilise AI to assist with spelling and grammar corrections. I have also used AI to verify if I have omitted anything essential from a post, as well as for generating titles for blog posts.
The featured images I use in my blog posts (including this one) are primarily created using the WordPress AI image tool. However, I have found that the tool is not always particularly effective at generating images, especially when more than a few words are included. More work is needed to improve it.
Conclusion
Utilising AI in blogging offers both exciting opportunities and significant challenges. While it can enhance efficiency, creativity, and data-driven decisions, it is crucial to maintain a balance and preserve the unique voice that attracts readers. By carefully weighing the pros and cons, bloggers can make informed choices about incorporating AI into their writing process.
If you wish to utilise AI, do so with your own writing rather than generating posts entirely composed by AI.
Finally, we must never forget that we all have a choice regarding AI. We can either use it or leave it be. What we must never do is persuade other users to use it or not. It’s a personal decision. Never criticise those who choose to use AI if you are against any use of AI in writing. Likewise, don’t criticise anyone who refuses to use AI if you use it.
Recommended reading about AI in blogging from other bloggers.
If you want a guide on AI on WordPress, check out this excellent article from Fedora, ‘A Guide To WordPress.Com’s AI Assistant.’
This post from Debbie at Deb’s World, “Reinventing Blogging: A Look into the Future,” dives into the controversial realm of AI in blogging, and trust me, it’s a must-read that has ignited plenty of debate. Are you ready to jump into the fray and add your voice to the discussion?
Are you hopping on the AI train in your blogging adventure? If so, what tools are you using, and what benefits has AI brought you and your blog? Does the use of AI in the blogging world concern you? Are you against using AI in Blogging? If so, what are your reasons? We want to hear your thoughts if you’re for or against AI. Drop your thoughts in the comments, and let’s chat!
I’m getting tough with non-engaging comments. Any non-engaging comments such as ‘Nice post’ are marked as spam.
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I’ve just dabbled with AI so far, using it to create featured images for the blog. Results have been very mixed – the resulting image is usually far too saturated to look realistic, especially if it contains a person.
Out of curiosity I asked openai to write a review of a novel. The text that came back was quite slick and could have been used as a starting point but with manipulation to make it sound more like me. However – the AI version contained two factual errors, setting the book in the wrong city and indeed the wrong country.
I haven’t thought about testing it with titles though, that could be interesting since I always struggle with those
The AI Image block on WordPress isn’t brilliant, but it can produce some good images if you’re prepared to take your time with it. However, put some words in the mix, and it seems to do a poor job. There is certainly scope for improvement with it.
I recommend checking and double-checking anything created with AI. As you found out, it doesn’t always get things right.
I’ve had more success with it creating titles for my posts. I don’t always use what it comes up with, but a few edits can certainly make the title more appealing to readers.
I listened to a podcast today where the presenter advocated spending at least 20 just playing with AI before using it for real
I agree with them. I did the same before changing from the Classic to the Block editor. It made all the difference.
Thanks for this information Hugh. I just followed your instruction to stop WP from sharing my stuff to AI. :)
Glad you found this post useful, Debby.
Thanks. :)
I cannot find this. Is it because I’m using Jetpack?
No, I use Jetpack, too. What device are you using?
Lenovo tablet…decided to stay home until I could find it and I have. But layout/colours totally different to what you displayed. But thank you. I got there and took your advice. Best wishes
The layout will be different depending on what device you use, but glad you were able to find it.
Thanks. I can be a bit slow on the uptake sometimes
I cannot find Readings in settings 😭
You tackled a hot topic, Hugh. I’m glad I don’t teach at the university level any longer. I’ve read AI has been problematic for professors grading papers and having to apply filters to every paper in order to check for validity.
But I am a fan of AI generated images and the helps with grammar in writing. It’s a great tool as you describe and hopefully bloggers will make choices that suit them.
I got a discounted Grammarly subscription last year which is up for renewal. Like you mentioned, AI is present in many software I already own, like Microsoft, and in WordPress. I won’t renew although I’ve appreciated the grammar suggestions.
Thanks for an insightful post and have a lovely weekend!
Yes, I need to think about my Grammarly subscription when it comes up for renewal, Terri. I’ll probably revert back to the free version given that AI can help me with spelling and grammar.
I can’t imagine what it’s like in schools and universities now that AI is here. It reminds me somewhat of what happened with Maths when the calculator became available. But at least the calculator could not do all the sums!
AI is here to stay and, I for one, will use it rather than fight it. It’s almost everywhere. Sometimes you don’t know you’re using it.
My Grammarly subscription was to renew in two weeks. Great timely reminder! AI tools are fine. We should use them when we can.
Hi Hugh,
This is a hot topic! Mark and I both have jobs that improve AI, so I can’t be totally against it anymore. :)
I understand it can help writers and bloggers, especially on the back end of things, but I have a problem with AI creating content that then is published as if it was written by the blogger or author. I think a note at the bottom of a post stating that AI was used or not would help readers.
Which AI tools do you use other than those if WordPress itself?
I had no idea you both worked in the AI industry, Liesbet. The WordPress AI image block certainly needs some improvement.
I see using AI for checking spelling mistakes and grammar as if I were using software like Grammarly. In fact, I think it does a better job than Grammarly. I do use Grammarly for writing posts and fiction, and some of its suggestions are often bizarre, but I guess that’s where the improvements come into play. The WordPress AI block also helps me with creating blog post titles.
I use the AI tools on WordPress. I have tried ChatGPT, but that was way back in the early days. I’ve also noticed that when I search on Google, it’s AI that always responds to my request at the top of the search page. That’s been very useful.
Excellent post about the pros and cons of AI, Hugh. I’ve used WP’s AI for images, and it works well. Thanks for the helpful tips!
The WordPress AI Image block is good, but I’ve found that it doesn’t perform well when adding words to images, Eugi. A few words may be okay, but any more, and those words are often misspelt or appear in some strange language.
Thank you for letting me know that, Hugh. Also, I found I have to compress the AI images to avoid slow loading.
Yes, checking the size of AI Images before publishing posts is important, Eugi. Thankfully, at the moment, I’m only using them for the featured image on my blog posts.
Hugh, I really like how you highlighted the pros and cons of AI in blogging. Thanks so much. Folks need to know about AI.
I agree—they do, Colleen. I read that many writers and bloggers see only a downside to using AI, but it does have its benefits, too. And, like the Block editor, it’s here to stay.
but also the risks, of the new technology. I’ve really come to enjoy using AI. It helps me structure my blog posts. In the end, though, I still write each post by hand, with my own style, my chaos, and my sense of humor.
And AI is also great for translating comments; otherwise, my English would only serve as a source of amusement. :-)
AI can do a lot, can’t it? Fortunately, WordPress also has a built-in translator, so visitors can read posts and comments in many languages.
It’s great to hear that you see benefits in using AI without relying on it to write for you completely. From what you say, it sounds like your voice still shines through.
You give a balanced view, Hugh. Thank you for highlighting the pros and cons. I will always write my own blog posts and writing generally as that;s something I strongly believe in, but that’s just my view. As you say, everyone should be allowed to make up their own mind.
Absolutely, Esther. Being able to decide is one of our best attributes.
An excellent summary, I have used AI to bounce story ideas off of and to create summaries of salient points. I refuse to use it to do any actual writing, although there have been identified cases where that’s been done. It’s very tempting to let it do more!
Some of us will certainly need willpower not to use it more, but I also think about my voice when writing rather than that of whatever AI is. It’s helped me with blog post titles, but I don’t always use exactly what it suggests. Adding a word or two helps my voice shout a little louder.
Sounds like a good use. It certainly doesn’t have my voice!
Using AI wisely and reasonable it can be of support. I have not used it yet but, as you said, for blog titles, inspiration about topics, or editing it might be a big help.
I’ve found it useful for creating blog post titles and helping with spelling and grammar, Erika. In fact, it’s better at spelling and grammar than Grammarly (in my opinion). It also helps with identifying anything you may have already mentioned and anything it thinks you should consider adding to a post.
So, that is a good point too: Identifying something that was already mentioned. When I have some time, I will check IA out. Thanks for explaining this all, I would not give it a try (so soon) without your post, Hugh!
I hope you find some benefit from using it, Erika. But, likewise, there is no problem if it’s not for you.
Thanks for such an interesting and comprehensive post Hugh. As I don’t blog that often it is good to know it probably wouldn’t help me much. I am currently averse to anything I hear about AI, but I imagine that will shift somewhat eventually. But I trust your voice on this, so thanks for sharing your views.
Hi Paul, I’m glad you found this post interesting and comprehensive. When I first heard about AI, I was frightened, but it wasn’t long before I began to see its benefits. Instead of fighting it, I embraced the aspects that worked for me. Since it has become a part of many aspects of life, I thought a blog post about it was necessary. I have written about it before, but things have changed significantly since those early days. It still has a long way to go, though.
I have no doubt it has.
I probably use it without realising it; through a video company I can get basic lyric demos made in minutes for my music and I imagine this is AI. For something in more depth however, I create something myself, which probably sums it up.
Yes, it’s surprising where AI is now located, Paul. It’s even used in WordPress’s support area. Plus, Google uses it a lot when doing searches.
Like everything else, AI can be a tool or a hindrance. I like the way you’ve pointed out both the pros and cons. It helps put everything in perspective. Thanks, Hugh!
I’m glad it helped, Jan. We should always look at the pros and cons of everything.
Thanks a huge bunch for the shoutout! I really appreciate it. You had a lot of great things to say in this post and I agree with all of them.
I use AI quite a lot on my blog and I both dislike it and love it at the same time. It’s a great love and hate relationship 😂.
Like you mentioned, I make sure that my voice shines through and most often it does, and sometimes it completely misses out. I think AI is great when it comes to coming up with ideas and help out to find words one might not use to help create a variety in the posts as well.
Thanks again for sharing and for linking to my AI guide!
You’re welcome. Your post about AI on WordPress is very helpful.
And I completely agree about letting your voice shine through. After all, it’s our blogs, not the blog of AI. I also resonate with your thoughts on having a love/hate relationship with AI. Some aspects are quite beneficial, while others are quite frustrating. That’s one of the reasons I use AI in small amounts rather than letting it take over my blog.
I also agree to that. I’ve been forced to use AI a lot lately due to fairly logical reasons, but that’s just temporary.
Using AI to generate images, helping out with starter paragraphs, ideas for content and SEO is great, but more than that it can easily take over.
Still, with my late forceful feelings of having to use AI, I 1000% make sure that all of it would be words I’d say myself if I could write it.
Fair enough. I’ve no idea if I will use it any more than I already do, but who knows? And I’m sure it will only improve over the years (especially the AI image-generating tool). When WordPress introduced the Block editor, I thought most of it was terrible. But over the years, it has only gotten better and better.
I love the block editor! The WYSIWYG is amazing! The only downside with it is that it’s so utterly buggy in Safari. It works well (or great) to write posts in, but if you need to make a design change, it’s really hard not to tear your hair out when you use Safari.
Luckily with the upcoming 6.8 release of WordPress, that will all change to the better I believe with the speculative loading plugin. I’m testing it now and it’s amazing!
That’s great to hear. I used to use Safari with WordPress but had many problems with it. When I switched to using Chrome, those problems disappeared. I’m sticking with Chrome (even after the update), as I am used to it.
I tried switching too, but I love Safari too much unfortunately so I switched back 😂.