We all know people are using ChatGPT and other tools for everything now, and I'll admit, I've dabbled. But I'm not trying to cheat—I actually like writing, weirdly enough. However, I struggle hard with the very first step: brainstorming.
Right now, I'm staring at a prompt for an informative essay in my communications class about "the evolution of a specific form of media." It's so broad that my brain just shuts down. I know I could sit here and make a list myself, but I also know that AI can generate 50 ideas in about 3 seconds. It feels like a waste of mental energy not to use it for the boring part, you know?
So my question is about ethics and creativity. If I ask an AI for a list of 20 potential topics (vinyl records, streaming services, satellite radio, podcasts, etc.), and then pick one that resonates with me and do all the actual research and writing myself... is that wrong? I'm not asking it to write a single sentence of the paper. I'm just using it as a more efficient brainstorming partner, like a rubber ducky that talks back. It feels different than copying text, but I'm not sure where the line is.
Also, how do you make the topic your own once you get a suggestion from AI? I don't want my paper to feel generic. If I pick "the cultural impact of the mixtape," how do I infuse it with my voice and my perspective so it doesn't sound like a robot outlined it for me?
I'm curious if anyone else uses tech this way, or if I'm walking a dangerous line.
Right now, I'm staring at a prompt for an informative essay in my communications class about "the evolution of a specific form of media." It's so broad that my brain just shuts down. I know I could sit here and make a list myself, but I also know that AI can generate 50 ideas in about 3 seconds. It feels like a waste of mental energy not to use it for the boring part, you know?
So my question is about ethics and creativity. If I ask an AI for a list of 20 potential topics (vinyl records, streaming services, satellite radio, podcasts, etc.), and then pick one that resonates with me and do all the actual research and writing myself... is that wrong? I'm not asking it to write a single sentence of the paper. I'm just using it as a more efficient brainstorming partner, like a rubber ducky that talks back. It feels different than copying text, but I'm not sure where the line is.
Also, how do you make the topic your own once you get a suggestion from AI? I don't want my paper to feel generic. If I pick "the cultural impact of the mixtape," how do I infuse it with my voice and my perspective so it doesn't sound like a robot outlined it for me?
I'm curious if anyone else uses tech this way, or if I'm walking a dangerous line.