AI Gave Me Four Tips To Save My Writing Career
A Writer's Anxiety in the Age of AI
My journey as a writer began early, but my professional journalism career, which supports my family, now faces a modern threat: Artificial Intelligence. For decades, I've adapted—from the decline of print media to the rise of digital-first publications. But the current challenge feels different. It’s not about a new platform; it’s about the potential obsolescence of my profession. A recent Medianet report confirmed my fears, showing 88% of journalists are concerned about AI, with 16% already reporting job losses.
To confront this anxiety, I decided to consult the perceived threat directly. I asked ChatGPT for four ways a finance journalist like me can avoid being replaced. Here’s the invaluable advice the AI chatbot gave me.
Tip 1: Go Beyond Reporting with Deep Analysis
ChatGPT’s first tip highlighted a key human advantage: context. While an AI can summarize financial reports in an instant, it can't easily explain the deeper meaning or provide nuanced analysis. "Dive into ‘why’ and ‘what it means,' not just ‘what happened,’” the chatbot advised. This is already the goal of quality journalism. When a major company's stock shifts, our job isn't just to report the number but to investigate the reasons behind it and forecast what it means for investors and the market.
Tip 2: Cultivate Irreplaceable Human Connections
The AI was quick to admit its own social limitations. While it can be a fantastic digital consultant, it can't build the real-world relationships that are the lifeblood of journalism. "AI can’t replicate real relationships," it stated, advising me to focus on cultivating insider sources, securing off-the-record tips, and gaining access to industry leaders. These human interactions lead to exclusive scoops and insights that an algorithm could never uncover.
Tip 3: Master the Art of Human-Centric Storytelling
Facts and figures are one thing, but a compelling narrative is another. AI can process vast amounts of data, but it struggles to tell stories with an authentic, human voice. When covering topics like the struggle for workers to afford a middle-class lifestyle, connecting with readers on an emotional level is key. "Emotion, storytelling, and human interest still matter in financial journalism," ChatGPT said. "Bring a human voice to numbers." This means profiling the people behind the companies and translating complex financial concepts into relatable, real-life experiences.
Tip 4: Embrace AI as a Partner, Not a Threat
Many of my peers are hesitant to use AI, viewing it as flawed or as a threat to their careers. The Medianet report found that 63% of journalists haven't used generative AI in their work. It's an understandable sentiment—why feed the machine that could replace you? However, ChatGPT argued that to survive, you must work with AI, not against it. "Let it handle repetitive parts so you can focus on higher-value work," it suggested. After some initial resistance, I’ve come to agree. By using AI as a tool for support, I can enhance my work, freeing me to focus on the uniquely human skills that truly matter.
