AI 'tidy' tools blur the line between assistance and replacement
City AM editors have noticed a concerning trend among freelance writers. Many contributors, including those who write for major UK publications, are now using artificial intelligence to "clean up" their work. This includes splitting long sentences into shorter ones or reorganizing tangled paragraphs. What editors call AI-generated "slop" is growing quietly in the background.
When one writer was asked about their use of AI, they claimed it improved 'clarity' by rearranging sentences. The editor, however, questioned the claim, saying, "Breaking a sentence into two or merging two into one is quite significant. It’s likely taking away the human element."
The editor raised a valid point: If the reward for writers is in the craft of writing, why would they outsource even small parts to AI? Lifestyle journalists, in particular, don’t earn high salaries, yet the joy of writing—expressing thoughts and ideas in a unique voice—has been what makes the job worth it.
The 'tidying up' argument masks deeper reliance
Writers insist they aren’t using AI to write full pieces. Instead, they say they rely on it for ideas or to help shape a draft. But this distinction raises concerns. If AI is used to polish writing, what becomes of the original author’s skill and effort? Where is the line between helpful tool and outright replacement?
The issue is not the AI itself but what it replaces. Editors at City AM and other publications are paid to refine freelance work. They bring a human touch, ensuring clarity and style. So why are writers bypassing them with machine-generated edits? It undermines the role of editors and devalues the work they do.
The phrase 'tidying up' sounds neutral, even helpful. But in reality, it hides the way AI takes over the writer's unique voice, structure, and creativity. The more writers lean on AI for small adjustments, the less they challenge themselves to craft quality writing from the beginning.
Accidental or intentional? Writers file AI-generated paragraphs
Over the last week, two writers at City AM submitted press releases instead of their own work. These releases were likely AI-generated. One said they had copied AI paragraphs into a Word document to get inspired, but somehow ended up submitting the machine-generated text as their own.
Regardless of whether it was an accident or a conscious choice, the outcome is the same: human voices are being replaced or weakened. The editor suspects some writers knew exactly what they were submitting. Big names in the industry are caught in this trap, turning to AI for everything from initial drafting to final edits.
The editor questioned, 'Don’t they love writing like I do?' For them, the real value is in the expression, in the personal style and creativity that makes each writer unique. That creativity is now at risk as AI becomes a crutch for more and more writers.