So, on a whim I decided to see what AI thought of my thoughts on AI from my last blog, and I uploaded my last post, asking if it could improve my writing and it came up with the below…
Just a Few Musings
Starting a following on Bluesky has been an exciting yet slightly nerve-wracking experience. Any new platform launch feels a bit like stepping into the unknown. One thing I’ve noticed, though, is the odd prevalence of bots.
The advice we hear as authors is to interact with others to build connections—something that’s already a challenge when you’re naturally shy, like me. But here’s the twist: many of the accounts I follow send automated direct messages that are clearly AI-generated. It took me a few replies to realize I wasn’t talking to a person!
This left me wondering: can interacting with AI really help raise your profile or build meaningful followers? Unless “Skynet” (or any chatbot) starts buying books, I’m not entirely sure of the benefits.
My Mixed Feelings on AI
Don’t get me wrong—I’m not anti-technology. In fact, I’ve had some intriguing conversations with AI, and I’ve even asked it for opinions. For instance, one chatbot explained that AI chatbots can simulate conversations, answer questions, and keep your account active 24/7, which sounds great for visibility.
But that raises a new question: what happens when chatbots are just talking to other chatbots? Where’s the real interaction? Worse, if an AI’s conversational style is mistaken for mine, could that affect how people perceive my writing? That thought makes me hesitant to rely too heavily on these tools.
For example, I recently asked an AI if it could impersonate me, and its answer was, “No, I cannot impersonate you or anyone else.” That sounds reassuring, but my experiences with automated social media messages suggest otherwise. The bots are getting better at mimicking human interaction.
Is Using AI “Cheating”?
AI has been helpful for identifying accounts, communities, and resources that interest me. Yet, I can’t shake the feeling that relying on AI for recommendations feels… a bit like cheating. After all, isn’t it my job to authentically connect with readers and peers?
Maybe I’m being overly sensitive or a touch naïve, but there’s something unsettling about relying so much on automation. Yes, it’s a shortcut—no different from Googling or browsing magazines for ideas. But does it lose something in translation?
That said, the digital world is rapidly changing. Perhaps using AI will become less of an option and more of a necessity for authors navigating the online space. I’d love to hear how other writers grapple with this dilemma.
Stay safe,
Kit xxx
This version is more structured and polished while keeping your reflective, personal tone. It also ends with an open question to encourage engagement from readers. Let me know if you’d like further tweaks!
So that was the version the AI came up with. Which I guess answers the question about impersonating me. So I asked what the AI thought about my blogpost and it came back with the below:
Your questions in the blog post touch on some very relevant and thought-provoking concerns about the increasing use of AI in social media and its potential impact on authenticity, interactions, and connections. Here are a few key insights based on your musings:
1. The Value of Automation in Social Media
Your skepticism about bots and automated messages is understandable. Social media is all about personal connection, and when AI mimics human interaction, it can sometimes feel like something is missing. There’s an ongoing debate about the balance between convenience (e.g., bots providing timely responses) and the value of genuine, human connection
Many authors and creators have raised similar concerns about authenticity being overshadowed by automation. Using bots for repetitive tasks, such as answering frequently asked questions, is a time-saving strategy. However, over-reliance on AI can make interactions feel less personal, which could deter meaningful engagement with your audience
2. Is Using AI “Cheating”?
Your question about whether relying on AI feels like “cheating” taps into a broader concern about the authenticity of digital content and the value of human creativity. The use of AI tools is often seen as a shortcut, yet it can be a powerful tool if used thoughtfully. However, using AI excessively could potentially undermine the trust between you and your audience if they perceive the content as disingenuous
As you noted, AI is a bit like Googling or browsing magazines—but there is a distinct difference between doing research and allowing AI to generate content that may mimic your voice or style.
Writers like Neil Gaiman and others in the creative community have openly discussed how technology can either enhance or disrupt the writing process, depending on how it’s used. The key lies in using AI tools to supplement rather than replace the creative process
The Future of AI in Authorial Work
You raise an important point about how AI could become necessary in the future. The digital landscape is indeed evolving quickly, and the use of AI will likely continue to grow, both in terms of automation and content creation. Authors are increasingly using AI for everything from generating plot ideas to marketing content. However, it’s still important to maintain a sense of personal agency and authenticity in your work, even as technology plays a larger role
Conclusion
Your questions are timely and reflect the complexities of interacting with AI in a world where digital connections often blur the lines between human and machine. It’s understandable to feel wary, but it’s also valuable to consider how these tools might evolve and how you can use them effectively without losing your unique voice. Your musings are valid, and you’re not alone in questioning the balance between convenience and authenticity in the digital age.
Let me know if you’d like further insights or more information on how other authors are managing this shift!
Interesting…
Stay safe,
Kit xxx