What is ChatGPT-4?

If you haven't been living under a rock since March, you've likely heard about the buzz surrounding OpenAI's ChatGPT-4. Even if social media isn't your thing, the excitement from friends and peers experimenting with this advanced chatbot has probably reached you.

As of early July, the statistics on ChatGPT-4's user base are nothing short of astonishing:

• Over 100 million users, a milestone achieved much faster than platforms like TikTok or Facebook.
• Approximately 1.8 billion visits monthly to its chatting interface.
• Powered by 100 trillion parameters, ChatGPT-4 far surpasses its predecessor, Version 3, by five times.

OpenAI describes this latest iteration as a system that:

> "Can solve challenging problems with increased accuracy, thanks to its extensive general knowledge and problem-solving capabilities."

A Friend or an Adversary?

Is ChatGPT-4 a modern iteration of Frankenstein, distorting human values, or a beneficial tool in our quest for growth? Should we, as writers, be apprehensive about the direction AI is heading?

Can this sophisticated AI genuinely produce better writing than a human? It may generate text quicker than I can conceptualize, but does it match the quality?

Let's pit this theory against excerpts from my most popular articles on Medium and evaluate the comparison.

Test Case 1 — 5 Common Interview Mistakes to Avoid

Here's an excerpt from my original writing:

> What was your most significant job interview blunder? > > Mine involved trying to drink coffee while wearing a white shirt on a moving train. The inevitable spill resulted in me enduring the entire interview in the summer heat with my jacket on. Unsurprisingly, I didn’t secure the job!

Having interviewed numerous candidates in my current managerial role, I've encountered both remarkable talent and some questionable characters. However, it's the “epic fail” moments that linger in memory.

Research indicates that first impressions matter, often formed in mere milliseconds. With that in mind, let’s explore my top five interview missteps and how to avoid sabotaging your chances.

For comparison, I prompted ChatGPT-4 with: “Write an article about common job interview mistakes.” Here's what it produced:

> Title: Avoiding Common Job Interview Mistakes: Keys to Success > > Introduction: > Job interviews are vital opportunities for candidates to leave a positive impression. Yet, common errors can hinder your chances. This article outlines prevalent mistakes and offers tips to sidestep them.

The AI's response continues with advice about preparation, confidence, communication, and more, but does it resonate as deeply with readers?

Test Case 2 — The Right to Privacy for Public Figures

An excerpt from my original piece:

> What connects these individuals? > > Naomi Osaka, Britney Spears, and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex share a spotlight as public figures, each with personal stories that highlight the tension between fame and privacy.

Each has faced public scrutiny regarding their mental health, raising questions about whether one can claim privacy after seeking publicity.

In contrast, here’s ChatGPT-4's take on their privacy rights concerning mental health:

> Title: Privacy, Mental Health, and the High-Profile Struggles > > Introduction: > Recent events have highlighted the significance of privacy in relation to mental health among public figures. This article examines how intrusive media scrutiny can impact individuals like Osaka, Spears, and the Sussexes.

The AI's structured response presents a clear overview but lacks the personal touch that often engages readers on a deeper level.

Test Case 3 — Addressing Climate Change

A segment from my writing:

> Have you paid attention to the recent IPCC report? > > With the pandemic consuming our focus, the looming threat of climate change might feel overwhelming. But ignoring it is akin to leaving a fire to smolder in your home.

I posed a similar prompt to ChatGPT-4 regarding climate risks, and it produced a factual analysis of the IPCC findings, but did it evoke an emotional response?

The Verdict: Are Our Jobs at Risk?

After this exercise, do you feel reassured about the future of writing, or are you still wary of AI's encroachment on creativity?

While tools like ChatGPT-4 will undeniably shape content creation, they lack the nuanced understanding of human experiences that enrich our writing. Our unique insights, shaped by personal experiences, remain irreplaceable.

I view ChatGPT-4 as an asset that can enhance my writing process, not as a competitor. The human touch in storytelling is what truly resonates, and for now, our jobs remain secure.

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