Grammarly and AI: The Surprising Truth About Writing Tools
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Chapter 1: Unveiling Grammarly's AI Capabilities
In my previous article, I discussed the unexpected AI detection scores associated with my original writing. After some reflection, I believe I've pinpointed the cause. Recently, Grammarly rolled out significant updates, particularly for its premium users. Although I've never opted for the paid version, I've consistently utilized Grammarly throughout the years. Until now, I hadn't recognized it as an AI tool, but it turns out it has always operated as one.
Grammarly utilizes context-based analysis rather than just basic word checks to enhance your writing. With its AI-powered algorithms, it surpasses simple spell-checking, improving aspects such as coherence, fluency, and vocabulary. The application is accessible for free in various formats, including a Chrome extension and a desktop application.
The initial video, "A Peek Inside Grammarly's AI," delves into how Grammarly has integrated AI into its features.
From my observations, the premium version of Grammarly essentially provides functionalities comparable to a basic AI writing assistant, but it offers even more benefits to authors than conventional AI alternatives. Furthermore, Grammarly has a distinct advantage due to its extensive range of plugins compatible with numerous browsers, applications, and devices. Its long-standing presence and free access across various platforms have made it a widely used tool.
Many users have leveraged Grammarly over the years, often unaware of the AI mechanisms at play (though I suspect most wouldn’t have been concerned).
Artificial intelligence has often been perceived as a beneficial tool. However, with its misuse in some contexts, various measures have emerged online to restrict or obscure AI-generated content. While this could seem advantageous for those of us who write authentically, it presents a new dilemma.
Are we facing repercussions for our indirect association with AI through tools like Grammarly? It appears that there may be no escaping this reality.
Grammarly operates using the same natural language processing (NLP) algorithms as other AI chatbot applications. Consequently, it has been refining your grammar in an AI-like manner, striving for precision akin to that of a machine. This raises two crucial points.
First, throughout my extensive use of Grammarly, its corrections have profoundly influenced my writing style. I believed I was honing my skills, but in reality, I was training to write like an AI. As a result, my work now appears to exhibit AI-like characteristics when assessed by detection software.
This realization poses another dilemma. When my writing undergoes AI detection, it often registers as AI-generated, despite being entirely original. I ponder how this impacts the visibility and engagement my articles receive online.
Given that platforms like Medium and Google are increasingly shunning AI-generated content, what course of action should we take? What about the writers who have mastered the nuances of Grammarly over the years?
I've attempted to compose this piece in a more casual and unrefined manner, neglecting grammatical precision, yet my writing still registers as 11% AI-generated. Striking a balance between quality and authenticity seems increasingly challenging.
The underlying issue here is not solely Grammarly's influence.
While I tend to direct criticism towards Grammarly for being the AI writing assistant we've relied on without questioning its operations, the real problem lies with the flawed AI detection systems in place.
Given our inability to alter this significant predicament, our best course of action may involve evading detection altogether. However, to achieve this, we might need to downplay our skills and strive to write more like everyday individuals rather than polished professionals.
We may need to disregard everything we were taught in school, especially the lessons learned from Grammarly. Embracing a fresh perspective and enjoying the writing process may be the key. I’ve just begun this journey with this article, and it has been invigorating—perhaps even liberating. Yet, my detection score remains imperfect, indicating I may need to embrace a more simplistic writing approach. This could turn into an exciting challenge!