What is ChatGPT?

Maybe the best way to define an AI tool is to ask itself. After all, AI has an identity of sorts. In the words of ChatGPT itself:

As a large language model trained by OpenAl, my primary function is to assist with generating human-like text based on the input I receive. I am a text-based Al assistant, and I do not have a physical form or presence. I am designed to be a versatile tool that can be used to help with a wide range of tasks, from answering questions to generating text for various applications. I am constantly learning and improving, and my knowledge and abilities are constantly evolving.

In other words, AI such as ChatGPT can be amazing, but it is not infallible. Just as computers can help humans, so humans must also help computers. AI should not be “left on its own.” ChatGPT can thus be a powerful tool when thoughtfully used by a human being.

Should ChatGPT be proofread?

Yes. Absolutely.

Without a doubt, you should proofread AI texts generated by a language model, since there may be errors or inconsistencies. In fact, ChatGPT itself recommends reviewing content, not merely blindly trusting. ChatGPT cannot replace a human mind.

We asked our executive editor about his thoughts about ChatGPT, and this is what he shared:

ChatGPT offers incredible insight and outstanding solutions, but none of this comes without limitation. In extensive testing, a primary observation is that ChatGPT uses more words than necessary. In my editing of ChatGPT thus far, I have reduced wording by a significant percentage. An additional finding is that ChatGPT lacks human personality. Effective editing recognizes patterns and repetition, and at times, ChatGPT uses the same phrases more than necessary. Of course, AI texts can feel more “robotic” than usual. A human editor can find and adjust these shortcomings. 

In other words, while language models are trained to produce accurate text, they are not perfect and may even be insensible at points. By proofreading AI text, you can ensure that it is clear, accurate, and direct. Additionally, proofreading can help you catch other issues, such as unnecessary repetition, that the artificial intelligence may have missed.

Furthermore, remember that good writing is more than “avoiding errors.” Anyone can write in a bland, neutral way. Sometimes you need to shorten, lengthen, reword, develop, etc. Doing so can make your writing better, even if the original was technically “correct.”

Our goal at PaperBlazer is to do just that: help you write more effectively.

What is the benefit of human editing?

The benefit of human proofreading and editing is that it can improve the overall quality and accuracy of written work. Unlike a computer program, a human proofreader or editor can use their understanding of language, context, and content to identify and fix errors or improve the clarity and effectiveness of the writing. 

This can be especially important for important documents, such as legal contracts or technical reports, where even minor errors can have significant consequences. Additionally, having a human review the writing can also help to ensure that the tone and style of the text are appropriate for the intended audience.

Why use ChatGPT if humans are better at proofreading?

As ChatGPT makes clear, there are some tasks that computers can do more efficiently than humans, such as checking for spelling and grammar errors, so a combination of human and computer-based proofreading can be an effective approach.