For the past six months, I’ve occasionally utilized ChatGPT to assist with my freelance work. I primarily use it as an intelligent thesaurus, asking questions like, “What are some synonyms for ‘naive’ that aren’t condescending?” or, “How can I express ‘innovation’ or ‘breakthrough’ in a way that doesn’t overemphasize a medical advancement?”

This platform has also been invaluable for ensuring factual accuracy. For example, I needed to clarify which GLP-1 medications are approved for diabetes versus obesity, including the associated brand names (such as Ozempic and Wegovy) and their active ingredients (like semaglutide and tirzepatide). ChatGPT provided a concise chart in moments.

Despite this utility, I’ve hesitated to explore broader applications of AI in my freelance journalism because I cherish the creative and learning processes involved in reporting and writing. Furthermore, I’ve discovered that I can generate more clever expressions than AI; when I asked it for puns on running and Taco Bell (for a story on a fast-food ultramarathon), it produced cringe-inducing suggestions like, “Legs say no, but the burrito says go.”

Embrace AI or Be Left Behind

During a recent Lunch and Learn event, fellow freelancers shared how they leverage AI as a “smart and fast assistant” while adhering to ethical guidelines. One member predicted that, just as certain dermatologists noted at a conference, AI won’t replace us; rather, those journalists who harness its capabilities will outpace those who don’t. “AI is an excellent tool for us,” he remarked, likening it to having an assistant for routine tasks.

Utilize AI for Tedious Tasks

Freelancers who consistently use AI find it most beneficial for monotonous tasks that require significant time but minimal cognitive effort. This includes searching for source email addresses (AI may access databases beyond our reach), drafting annotations, eliminating filler words from transcripts, and reviewing contracts. One author mentioned using a premium version of Claude to transfer annotations into endnotes and compile bibliographies efficiently—reducing what would have taken several days into just four hours.

AI in Comprehending Complex Medical Studies

Some journalists utilize AI for deciphering intricate medical studies, developing interview questions, and brainstorming story ideas or headlines. They regard these tools as collaborative partners who can enhance their ideas and skills. However, not all journalists are comfortable frequently relying on AI in these contexts. Personally, I feel apprehensive about outsourcing the rewarding challenge of analyzing a study or devising a unique story angle. The question remains: if I lean on AI, will my critical thinking skills diminish?

Mind Privacy Issues

It’s crucial to approach AI with caution regarding privacy concerns. For instance, uploading a complete draft of an original article to ChatGPT for editing poses risks, primarily due to the platform’s lack of privacy safeguards. An AHCJ member advised, “Consider: ‘Could this be subpoenaed?’” This is particularly vital if you’re handling sensitive stories involving anonymous sources. One alternative mentioned is upgrading from a free service to a paid version, such as Claude, but it’s essential to conduct thorough research on privacy protections before sharing sensitive data.

Follow Best Practices When Using AI

Bear in mind that AI solely draws from existing material; asking it for headline suggestions, for instance, carries the risk of unintentional plagiarism of already published work. Similarly, directing it to emulate your writing style may also result in reproducing your own words. If you rely on AI to identify sources or relevant studies, exercise your judgment to ensure you diversify your references instead of simply echoing past work.

Another significant concern is the tendency of AI to “hallucinate,” generating fictional facts, names, or studies. Thus, it’s imperative to verify any information it provides. To optimize results, users recommend explicitly instructing AI against creating inaccuracies. For example, defining your role and objectives in prompts can lead to better assistance. As one participant aptly noted, “Like assistants, they need very clear instructions.”