AI writing tools are transforming the way content is produced. With features that rapidly generate drafts, they have reduced the time and costs associated with writing. However, unverified information and repetitive sentence structures raise questions about the quality and reliability of such content.
The use of these tools has increased significantly. AI writing tools can generate articles, blog posts, and marketing copy with just a simple command from users. Particularly since 2023, the commercialization of generative AI has been in full swing, leading to increased use across various industries. Media, education, and marketing sectors have adopted AI-based tools to shorten draft preparation times and improve work efficiency. Some media outlets in Korea are experimentally applying AI in their internal content production processes.
Sentences created by AI often repeat certain patterns. Connective words or summarizing expressions such as ‘in conclusion,’ ‘also,’ ‘however,’ and ‘therefore’ appear frequently across various topics. While commonly used to connect paragraphs, excessive usage can make the writing feel mechanical. Especially phrases like ‘to summarize,’ ‘ultimately,’ and ‘in essence’ often appear from a pattern of automating sentence flow regardless of content.
These expressions are preferred by AI because they are frequently used on the web. However, when repetitions accumulate, the rhythm of sentences becomes monotonous, making it difficult to convey a differentiated message to readers. Actual users have sometimes expressed fatigue at seeing the same expressions repeated in various content.
AI lacks the ability to verify facts. Generated sentences may include non-existent quotations, or incorrect dates and statistics. For instance, there have been instances where a person mentioned by AI does not exist, or the source of statistics is unclear. If such content is used as is, incorrect information may be conveyed to readers. In journalism, public institutions, and educational settings, pre-verification procedures are required to prevent such informational errors.
Experts define AI writing tools as ‘auxiliary means.’ While draft generation can be automated, editing and reviewing should be led by humans. Generated sentences often lack the context and source of information. Therefore, it is generally agreed that verifying facts, choosing vocabulary, and arranging sentences are the writer’s responsibility.
To ensure the content’s completeness, it’s essential not to merely use AI-generated sentences as they are. Instead, a process where humans proactively refine the structure and remove inaccuracies is necessary, according to many experts. Actual case studies, experiences, and context depending on individual situations are areas that automated tools cannot provide.
The industry is also presenting procedures for safely utilizing generative AI. After creating a basic draft, it should be directly reviewed by a person for sentence structure and word choice. Statistics or quotes generated by AI must undergo separate fact-checking procedures. If sentence flow is monotonous, it requires reconfiguring paragraph arrangements or replacing words to edit them in a reader-friendly manner.
Additionally, expressions repeatedly used by generative AI can be naturally adjusted by replacing or omitting them with different sentences. One suggestion includes reading sentences aloud to check for awkward expressions and infusing life into the writing by reflecting the experiences or perspectives of real users.