WordPress is set to introduce a new AI plug-in called Jetpack AI Assistant, which will enable users to generate and edit text using artificial intelligence. As the world’s largest blogging platform, WordPress is an ideal environment for this kind of generative AI technology to thrive.
The Jetpack AI Assistant tool, developed by Automattic, the company behind WordPress, is currently available for free to WordPress users. Those who use Jetpack separately from WordPress receive 20 free requests before being charged a monthly fee of $10. This development represents the continued expansion of AI text generation software, as its integration into a popular content management and blogging platform like WordPress will expose the technology to a wider global audience.
In a blog post, the Automattic team describes the Jetpack AI Assistant as a “creative writing partner” that streamlines content creation by generating diverse content based on user commands. Demonstrative videos showcase the tool’s capabilities, including summarizing blog posts into concise headlines, adjusting the tone of text (with options such as “formal,” “provocative,” and “humorous”), and generating complete blog posts from single prompts. Automattic claims the tool can also correct grammar and spelling errors, as well as perform translations across 12 languages.
This development is likely to be welcomed by individuals who may feel apprehensive about starting their own blogs due to concerns about content generation and maintaining a consistent posting schedule. The Jetpack AI Assistant provides a personalized editor that assists with idea generation, alleviating some of the pressure on bloggers.
However, despite the seemingly seamless integration between website building and AI, there are valid concerns about the potential downsides of this feature in the long run. Copywriters are already facing a decline in work as clients opt for AI tools like ChatGPT. There is a worry that an influx of AI-generated content could inundate the web with spam. AI tools like ChatGPT are known for occasionally providing inaccurate information or lacking personality, resulting in bland and obviously robotic copy.
Furthermore, one of the key attractions of blogs is the ability to read about genuine personal experiences and insights. While the Jetpack AI Assistant can assist with workloads, there is a distinction between using it as a tool and being misled into believing that the content is authored by a real person.
It is important to question the extent of a bot’s understanding of human interests and experiences, such as gaming, motherhood, mental health, and more. Can AI truly replicate these aspects without resorting to regurgitating web content in an impersonal manner?
There is also the concern that the proliferation of what could be termed “hollow blogs” may occur—empty websites on WordPress devoid of authenticity, entirely written and managed by AI, offering no valuable or insightful content. At what point do we lose the privilege of trusting that the content we consume is authored by real individuals?
While the Jetpack AI Assistant offers potential benefits for content creators, it is crucial to maintain a balance and preserve the essence of authentic human expression in blogging. Striking that balance between human creativity and AI assistance will be essential to ensure that the blogosphere remains a place where readers can trust the authenticity and value of the content they engage with.
