AI makes editors read the writer as well as the text
Editors are often caught between their duty to the readers and employers and the demands of the publishing process
As a commissioning editor, the author encounters a growing number of submissions that have been either written or polished by AI. This poses a challenge as it goes against The Hindu's policy and may undermine the importance of human writing. Writing is a complex process that involves conveying one's intentions, emotions, and ideas through carefully crafted sentences and paragraphs. However, AI-generated or edited text can simplify this process, potentially leading to monotonous and unengaging content.
The author uses tools like GPTZero and Pangram to detect AI-generated or edited text. These tools have been well-received in the scientific community and have a low false-positive rate, making them reliable indicators. However, there may be instances where both tools provide conflicting scores, requiring the editor to make a judgment call.
In some cases, the editor might request additional information from the author, such as the document's version history or firsthand reporting notes, to determine the extent of AI involvement.
When dealing with authors, the editor must strike a balance between being polite and assertive. They should not offend the author, as many use AI for various legitimate reasons. Additionally, the editor must encourage the author to reflect on their choices and explain their reasoning for using or not using AI. While mathematical data can guide decisions, the editor must also consider the author's motivations and the broader implications of AI in the writing process.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu - Sci-Tech's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
