Navigating ChatGPT for Creative Independence

Navigating ChatGPT For Creative Independence With Jojo Inika

A new AI tool called ChatGPT was released in November 2022, and ever since then, that’s all everybody has been talking about. I’ve used a lot of AI tools in the past, but none have been as accurate as this one.

In order to obtain a new perspective on this tool, I decided I wanted to speak with another content writer. Jojo Inika, a content writer and editor, graciously accepted my request. We go into further detail about this fascinating technology and how it might affect you in this interview.

From navigating creative independence to gathering relevant skills as content writers, we’ll be exploring the world of ChatGPT from our different points of view. 

Hi. Can we meet you?

My name is Josephine Inika, but most people call me Jojo Inika. I’m a writer and editor. I work as a content writer for a fintech brand – Obiex Finance. I’m also a co-founder of a startup called Iko Africa, a literary platform for people to share their writing. I do a lot of other things by the side. 

Nice to e-meet you. And thank you for doing this. 

Nice to meet you too. 

So, let’s dive straight into the discussion. There’s been a rising popularity of a new AI tool – Chat GPT, and I’ve used it a couple of times. Surprisingly, this tool is super good and accurate to an extent. I decided to speak with a writer like myself, to get a different point of view. I’m curious to know how often you use this tool.

When Chat GPT was launched, I was sceptical about using it, because a lot of people claimed that this was the next “big thing” to replace writers. I’ve been in this business long enough to know that there’s always something trying to replace writers. 

However, I’d say that this is the closest thing I’ve seen that should shake writers. I’ve used it, but I try not to use ChatGPT a lot so I don’t become overly dependent on it. So, I’d say I use it two days a week. Usually, I use it when I run out of ideas.  

Can you explain how you used Chat GPT in your writing process, and how it helped the final outcome? 

It’s a brilliant tool, I must say. I feel I shouldn’t be praising it this much because it’s supposedly here to take my job, lol. While I view ChatGPT as a valuable assistant, its occasional downtime has been a challenge.  

When attempting to create a Twitter thread, I once used it. Simply testing the theory, provided me with something quite pleasant. I added my original content after taking some of the content that was generated. 

Secondly, when I was exhausted from the day’s tasks and needed to send out an email, ChatGPT provided me with a surprisingly helpful output despite my limited input. 

Read Also: Exploring The World Of Travel Writing With Favour Obioha

Nice! For me, the tool has been incredibly useful, especially in generating ideas. There’s a debate about whether ChatGPT will replace writers. What’s your take on this topic?

In my opinion, AI can’t replace writers – at least not yet. Let me explain. This tool lacks the unique personal touch writers add to their content. There are specific ways humans use examples and stories to illustrate various ideas that AI will never be able to match. These factors combine to make it a really engaging read.

Zikoko’s content is a great example. Do you think AI will be able to write an interview-based article on Love Life, or Naira Life? I doubt it. It will take AI some time to be able to infuse humour into a piece of content. In Nigeria for instance, we use a lot of slang peculiar to us, I don’t think AI will be able to do that. 

AI, in my opinion, can only replace writers who aren’t committed to their work, don’t grow as people, and view AI as a threat. It’s either you evolve with this new technology, or you become non-existent. It’s an evolve-or-die kind of thing. 

I also feel that at some point proficiency in using AI tools may become a requirement for work. Just like proficiency in Excel, Google Suite, etc., is required by some employers. The emergence of AI tools will make work more competitive. 

Yeah, exactly, I agree with you. So, what skills do you think writers need to possess to remain relevant in a world dealing with emerging AI? 

For me, I’d suggest writers take on a more narrative approach to writing. It’s also important for writers to learn how to tell stories. People say storytelling is a lost art, but I feel we need to get back on track with how to tell stories. 

Secondly, empathy is important. Empathy will help you write about a sensitive topic well. For example, if you want to write about money, you should take into consideration that people are in different income brackets. So, it’s important you don’t write in a condescending manner to any income bracket. 

Lastly, it’s important they learn how to use the right brand voice for the right type of audience. 

I agree with you. I believe every writer should learn how to take a strategic approach to writing. And of course, we need more stories and user-generated content. Thank you so much for your time, that’s all I have for you. Do you have questions? 

Yes, I do. I’d like to know if writers will be willing to pay, and how much they’ll be willing to pay because that’s an extra subscription to our bills. Will you be willing to pay?

Lol. For me, I’ll be willing to pay. I just hope it’s not an outrageous fee. Lol. Thank you so much for doing this with me, I absolutely enjoyed our conversation. 

This chat was eye-opening and filled with new insights! What really hit home for me was the reminder to stay mindful and not let myself become too reliant on AI tools. I want to make sure I’m always pushing the limits and delivering top-notch content that they can’t match. And, let me tell you, I’m fired up to keep growing and evolving as a content writer. 

Thanks for reading this interview till this point. I hope you found it informative and enjoyable. If you have any thoughts, questions, or comments, please share them in the comment section below. I’d love to continue the conversation. 

Connect with Jojo on Instagram, and Twitter. You can also read her articles here.