AI tools are here to stay
Ruben Visser
This paper will describe the current state of the academic topic, "The effects of the rise of AI tools on blogging platforms and their business models." Given the breadth of this topic, it will be divided into multiple subtopics: the future of writing, the use of AI tools among bloggers, a customer perspective on leveraging AI for content generation, the dangers of AI content, the detection of AI content and Business models of the web. By covering these topics, the reader of this paper will understand the current state of "The effects of the rise of AI tools on blogging platforms and their business models.".
The future of writing
Although AI tools are relatively new (since 2023 used by the masses), papers are already discussing the future of writing. In the paper by (Zimmerman, 2023), it is discussed that writing will undergo significant transformations with the introduction of AI tools like ChatGPT. These large language models (LLMs) can provide human-like responses, thus enhancing the writing process in new ways. The paper also mentions that AI tools are already assisting writers by restructuring entire manuscripts, offering feedback, and identifying limitations, which improves the quality and efficiency of content creation.
The use of AI tools among bloggers
Building on this, (Ezinwa, 2024) investigated how extensively bloggers in Nigeria use AI for writing blogs. The survey results showed that most bloggers have experience with AI Tools (92.5%). Commonly used AI Tools among bloggers were SEO (Search engine optimisation) tools, content recommendation engines, spelling checkers and chatbots.
Although most bloggers use AI tools, some have not embraced them for several reasons. Many of these AI tools can be expensive, making them out of reach for bloggers with limited budgets. Other bloggers face technical barriers that make the tools inaccessible. Additionally, some are concerned about data privacy. Finally, some bloggers are used to non-AI methods and resist adopting new technology.
How are AI tools helping writers?
Now that we know that a significantly large group of bloggers uses AI tools, it is clear that AI tools are here to stay. But in what ways are AI tools helping writers? According to research by (Bareq Raad, 2023), AI tools are significantly improving writers' efficiency, accuracy, and overall quality of work. AI tools like QuillBot, Grammarly, and ChatGPT, offer real-time grammar and spelling error detection, style and clarity suggestions, and feedback on the overall writing quality. Additionally, AI tools help writers overcome creative blocks by generating new ideas and content, thus making writing easier. By providing personalised feedback and suggestions, AI tools also assist writers in identifying and improving their weaknesses, thereby fostering better writing skills and encouraging originality and creativity. However, (Bareq Raad, 2023) notes that it is important to use these tools responsibly to avoid over-reliance and ensure the development of critical thinking and writing abilities.
A customer perspective on leveraging AI for content generation
AI-written content can often appear very human-like, but when readers or customers become aware that the content is AI-generated, it can lead to a negative reaction (Chiara Longoni, 2020). This is because the context of the interaction plays a crucial role in consumer acceptance. For example, consumers might be comfortable with AI handling routine tasks such as making reservations or providing weather updates. However, consumers tend to prefer human interaction for more sensitive issues, such as the reporting of medical results or offering personalized health advice (Chiara Longoni, 2020).
This preference for human interaction is particularly relevant in the blogging landscape. If blog readers discover that a blog about health and wellness, which offers advice and guidance, is written by AI, it could undermine their trust in the content. This distrust could negatively affect the blog's performance, leading to lower engagement and the number of reads. Consequently, the reputation of the blogging platform.
Dangers in AI-generated content
Beyond consumer acceptance of AI technology, (David A. Schweidel, 2023) mentions the concerns about its potential for abuse. Generative video models have already been used to create "deep fakes" that can harm public figures by placing them in inappropriate contexts or altering their statements. AI content generation tools can also spread misinformation on a large scale, affecting brand reputations and public issues such as elections.
Another concern is the growth of biases through AI content generation. AI Tools produce content based on their training data, which can strengthen biases related to gender or race.
Finally, due to these concerns, researchers conclude that there is an urgent need for regulation by governments and proactive measures by digital platforms, such as blogging platforms, to detect and curb the misuse of AI-generated content. Automated detection systems are essential for deploying countermeasures effectively (David A. Schweidel, 2023).
Detection of AI-generated content
One of the most obvious solutions to eliminate the dangers of AI-generated content on blogging platforms is to detect and remove it from the platform. Although some humans may find it simple to determine if an article is AI-written or not, software still struggles with this task. In the research of (Debora Weber‐Wulff, 2023), it appeared that detection tools for AI-generated text are neither accurate nor reliable, with all scoring below 80% accuracy and only five exceeding 70%. These tools often identified human-written documents as AI-generated (false positives) and AI-generated texts as human-written (false negatives).
The advertising business model
Since the start of social media platforms, advertising has been the dominant business model, particularly through placing ads on users' timelines. Since AI-generated content may lead to less revenue for the blogging platforms. Blogging platforms may need to exploit their advertising by enhancing their advertising strategies through better targeting and profiling tools or consider alternative business models like freemium services, transaction fees, and donations. The success of these platforms in the future will depend on their ability to effectively monetize their user base while navigating these challenges (Jean Samuel Beuscart, 2021).
Bibliography
Chiara Longoni, L. C. (2020). Artificial Intelligence in Utilitarian vs. Hedonic Contexts: The “Word-of- Machine” Effect. Journal of Marketing, 18.
Debora Weber‐Wulff, A. A.‐N.‐D. (2023). Testing of detection tools for AI‐generated text. International Journal for Educational Integrity, 26.
Bareq Raad, Z. N. (2023). Exploring the Profound Impact of Artificial Intelligence Applications (Quillbot, Grammarly and ChatGPT) on English Academic Writing: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Integrative Research, 25.
Zimmerman, A. (2023). A Ghostwriter for the Masses: ChatGPT and the Future of Writing. Annals of Surgical Oncology, 4.
Ezinwa, C. A. (2024). Analysis of Knowledge and Use of Artificial Intelligence Among Bloggers in Enugu State. International Journal of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Essays, 26.
David A. Schweidel, M. R. (2023). LEVERAGING AI FOR CONTENT GENERATION: A CUSTOMER EQUITY PERSPECTIVE. Review of Marketing Research, 21.
Jean Samuel Beuscart, K. M. (2021). Business Models of the Web 2.0: Advertising or The Tale of Two Stories. Communications & stratégies, 22.