The blogging world is buzzing with thoughts, and not a few concerns, regarding the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to create content. Can we trust that AI information is accurate? Is there still a role for travel writers when travel content can so quickly be generated by AI? In this article, I’ll explain what AI can’t tell you about travel, and the role of the human element in travel writing.
AI generated travel content refers to computer-generated written material used in articles, blogs, product descriptions, and other copy whose creation does not rely on human input. We already know the Top 10 Reasons why you should be reading about travel, but is all travel writing the same regardless of the source?
How can bloggers compete with the worldwide brain that we call the internet? It has left several travel writers wondering if their work has become obsolete. Truthfully, it doesn’t need to be an “either/or” decision on where you find your travel information, but there are some limits to AI generated articles that you should know about.
The Limitations of AI Generated Content
Importantly, there are some things that AI can’t tell you about travel, and this is why travel bloggers remain uniquely useful. You should be aware that there are certain limitations of AI generated content when it comes to travel information.
I should note that this article isn’t a slam against the use of AI. If you’re looking for that, there are plenty of articles that explore the potential pitfalls of AI content. As mentioned already, there are several really cool ways that AI can boost content and make the writing process exceptionally efficient. This means more content for your readers, which when crafted and proofread carefully, can be of good benefit.
Proponents of AI generated content suggest that this is an incredibly efficient, and usually accurate, way to create helpful content for their readers. Others are very concerned about the loss of the “human” element, and potential for inaccurate information that goes along with poor proofreading of generated AI content. They also note that human writers are certainly not immune from writing inaccurate information as well.
However, you may be curious about what AI cannot do when it comes to travel information.
Critically, Artificial Intelligence can’t provide its own personal travel experiences. It can only repeat, make up, or combine information from the experiences of other people. The information feels “new” because theoretically no one has packaged the information in that exact manner.
So, why can’t AI share its own personal travel experiences? The reason is rather simple. AI can’t travel.
AI has never taken one vacation in it’s entire life. It has never felt the warm grainy sand between its virtual toes, or experienced that jaw dropping moment when it sees an awe-inspiring scene. Technology has never benefited from the experience of releasing stress and has never experienced personal growth by engaging with new cultures. It’s never practiced mindfulness, ridden the train through the Alps, or gazed at the Grand Canyon.
In fact, AI has not and cannot enjoy all the tremendous mental health benefits of travel.
AI Content is Second-Hand Information
Think about this, would you ever take advice about a particular travel destination from someone who had never been there? Would you rather trust a first-hand account or someone who knows someone who knows somebody else that has been there?
AI has never visited the places it writes about. In other words, AI travel posts are inherently second-hand information as AI has never been there. Further, it never will travel, as that is a human experience.
How could AI come up with new ideas versus simply scraping from what’s already available and re-crafting it as “new”?
In most cases, the optimal option would be for us to learn from those with personal experiences. Consider a scenario in which AI has generated an article on the safety of a particular travel destination, though pulled contrasting opinions from the internet about the same destination.
While this could represent a well-rounded exploration of that place, it can also lead to idealized travel descriptions that are mechanically placed next to opposite opinions, leading to confusion about the accuracy of the information. Is the destination safe or not? Smashing together information, well-written or not, does not always lead to the most helpful information.
Let’s flip the script for a moment…If you’re a travel writer, you’re probably not writing about places you haven’t visited, or else you’d risk losing readers with inauthenticity. Honestly, there are some pretty impressive AI generating content tools such as Tailwind’s AI, though would strongly caution against exclusive use of such programs for the reasons outlined in this article.
The “Human” Element in Travel Writing
Plus, and this is purely subjective, there’s something slightly “off” about reading content that I know is AI generated. In other words, there is a devalued element simply knowing that a travel article wasn’t written by a person. I find myself questioning the accuracy more and enjoying the process of reading less when the content is AI generated.
Do you ever feel “duped” when you get to the bottom of an article and find the small print tagline stating that the content was AI generated?
On one hand, that’s a testament to the improved technology behind AI that can blend believable and syntactically well-written content. However, pay attention to that instance of surprise (or is that disappointment?) when you find out the article was not written by a travel writer but rather by an AI entity.
Plus, there’s inherent bias in the human creators of the AI. For example, adding emphasis in certain areas or additional focus in the AI algorithm can influence the kind of content that is generated. So, there’s still bias in AI content despite it’s machine-like composition.
Taken collectively, it’s okay to enjoy the AI generated content filled with genuinely helpful travel tips compiled from multiple sources. Appreciate the truly amazing ways that AI can support travel writers.
Just don’t make the mistake of thinking that AI has surpassed the utility of travel writers. Personally, I value the personal.
Just in case you’re curious, I wrote this article, not AI…
What are your thoughts on AI generated content? Comment below!
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Happy Travels,
Dr. L
Founder, PsychologyOfTravel.com
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The cool thing about humans is that we have a divine center, emotions and a soul. Tap into these unlimited powers – all of which AI lacks – and you will be A-OK. Excellent points all around.
Ryan
So true, Ryan! AI has its place, but to think it’s “the same” would be a mistake.