With the sudden presence of prize-winning AI paintings, AI commercials, and even Grammy-submitted AI songs, intelligent tech has infiltrated nearly every medium. So why didn’t your AI-generated post go viral? There are many answers to that question, but the best one is—it wasn’t you. The novelty of a new invention like AI is short-lived, while true human authenticity has staying power.
For proof of your voice’s staying power, look no further than what consistently trends on any social media platform. Above anything else, it’s human stories. These are the tales that tap into our shared human experiences, evoke emotions, and offer unique perspectives. We’ve all seen a viral video of a soldier reuniting with their family after years apart. In longer form, gut-wrenching memoirs of tragedy and triumph will always make their way to best sellers’ lists. These stories resonate because they touch the chords of empathy, nostalgia, and the simple joys of life.
Humans make it click-worthy
All of that said, AI has certainly made its mark in the world of content production. ChatGPT can write articles, poems, and even jokes, but thankfully for stand-ups like myself, the jokes aren’t very funny (yet). That’s because good stand-up jokes are derived from a crucial element that AI cannot replicate: an authentic human voice.
As a stand-up comedian, I’ve witnessed firsthand how important an authentic voice is to impactful, and viral content creation. Comedians who are uniquely, genuinely themselves are the ones who stand out, while those who imitate or steal from others are often punished by audiences and the comedy community. A recent New Yorker profile also questioned whether or not it’s acceptable for comedians to invent stories that are authentic to their experiences. TLDR? Audiences seem to prefer the truth. As for AI—TV and film writers are currently on strike, in part to ensure that AI doesn’t replace them.
The truth is, ChatGPT does know who “comedian Kelly Bachman” is and can write an idea for me if I ask it to, but it can’t really capture the essence of my unique experiences, emotions, and quirks. To be fair, I might also struggle to capture my experiences in joke form, but at least I get to adjust my material based on audience laughter—or boos? Even the greats bomb, OK!
By the way, for the sake of this post, I did ask Chat GPT to write me a joke. Here’s the result.
This is a valid albeit extremely corny effort on Chat GPT’s part. The bot knows from its research that I care about activism and that I make jokes from a feminist perspective, but that’s about it. ChatGPT doesn’t remember the specific moment from my lived experience that I might decide to tell a story about. It doesn’t know my feelings, expressions, and Kelly-isms, like how my pacing changes when I’m excited, or how I start talking in a weird Southern accent when I bring up something that makes me uncomfortable. AI doesn’t really know me. Only I can tell my story in that particular, vulnerable way that actually, hopefully, connects with audiences.
AI content doesn’t work without humans
Also, just so we’re clear and authentic, I do use AI. I use it to summarize research, organize thoughts, and help me deliver better copy. I’ve marveled at ChatGPT’s ability to generate content quickly and effectively, and I do believe that if I spent enough time with an AI bot, I could teach it to mimic my comedic voice and style to some extent.
But while ChatGPT can churn out a solid piece if you give it enough information, it lacks the deep personal connection that a creative writer brings to the table. And that personal connection is what makes the difference with engagement, sales, and even SEO. With that said, it seems creative humans can work well with AI, but AI can’t work very well without creative humans.
Cut the glut of mediocre content
Human or not, there is always an uncharted sea of new content available at any given moment. For every insightful blog post, there are dozens of hastily written, keyword-stuffed articles that offer little value to readers. The rise of automated content generation tools has exacerbated this problem. These tools can churn out articles at an astonishing rate, flooding the internet with content that lacks depth, originality, and a genuine human touch.
The result? A digital landscape cluttered with forgettable content that fails to engage, inform, or inspire. This content may not necessarily be “bad,” but it’s often devoid of the unique perspectives and voices that can make content truly stand out.
Google-friendly content is human + original
Recognizing the challenge posed by this surfeit of average content, Google has been refining its search algorithms to better serve users. One of the notable changes in recent years is the prioritization of content that exhibits a distinctly human touch, individual perspective, and a genuine connection with the audience.
Google doesn’t explicitly punish AI-generated content, but its algorithm updates effectively reward content that can’t easily be replicated by AI. This shift in emphasis acknowledges the inherent limitations of AI when it comes to offering a personal perspective, sharing unique experiences, or engaging in meaningful conversations.
The new algorithm updates are designed to surface content that resonates with human readers; content that reflects the diverse voices and experiences of individuals. Google has recognized that while AI can be a useful tool for various tasks, it’s the personal stories, authentic voices, and depth of human expression that truly captivate audiences.
AI and viral are mutually exclusive
As we look ahead, it becomes increasingly evident that content that resonates is inherently human. The content that truly breaks through the digital clutter and goes viral is often content that really has something to say. It’s the content that challenges the status quo, provides a fresh perspective, or offers a deeply personal insight shaped by distinct experiences and emotions.
In a world inundated with content, where readers are seeking meaning and connection, the bar for what constitutes remarkable content has been raised. To rise above mediocrity and noise, content creators must embrace their individuality and not be afraid to bring their unique human spirit to their work.
Hone and own your voice
So, what’s the key to creating content that not only gets read but also gets shared, discussed, and remembered? It’s authenticity, individuality, and the courage to share your perspective. It’s recognizing that while AI can assist in various aspects of content creation, it’s the human touch that remains irreplaceable.
In a world where AI plays an increasingly prominent role in content creation, the value of the human voice endures. Humans bring relatability to content that allows them to consistently connect with readers on a mass scale. For examples of this, look to the words of your favorite comedian or author. AI bots can imitate, but it’s humans who consistently inspire.
Beat the algorithm by being yourself
Your unique voice, shaped by your life experiences, your passions, and your individuality, is what sets your content apart and makes readers feel a genuine connection to you. While AI can be a powerful tool, it should complement, not replace, the authenticity and relatability that only creativity rooted in the human experience can provide.
So, the next time you sit down to strategize your content, remember that, while AI may be a great assistant, it’s your authentic human voice that will truly make your message stand out, and, just maybe, go viral for all the right reasons.
Want help putting that voice into words? Talk to the ‘Smiths.
