I’ll admit it: AI has been one of the best things to happen to my career in recent years. It’s made me more productive, a clearer communicator, and even sparked new levels of creativity. It’s not that I can’t function without AI, but rather that my Copilot makes me better. Heck, my own writing even mimics AI these days. I have learnt more about crafting content from AI than I did from my high school English teacher. Apologies, Mrs. van der Merwe.
But here’s the thing I realised while doomscrolling on the porcelain throne at work: AI has made content as generic as toilet paper. With perfect grammar and neatly structured sentences, anyone can now churn out polished, high-quality content. And like toilet paper, it’s everywhere. So, what’s my point?
At home, we buy the cheapest 2-ply toilet paper because, well, 2-ply is always better than 1-ply, right? But then I noticed something in the office bathroom: the single ply there is actually great. A quick chat with procurement revealed that the cost difference is negligible, yet the experience is better.
So why does this matter? Because toilet paper is just toilet paper, until it fails you at a critical moment.
The same goes for content. Churning out generic posts for the sake of posting will cost you readers and followers. Nobody enjoys bland, soulless content. So, am I saying we should ditch AI? Absolutely not.
AI is a tool, not a voice. Here’s how to make sure you’re using it wisely:
Use AI for efficiency, not identity: let it handle the routine, the admin, and the repetitive tasks like organising your calendar, drafting semi-personalised email responses, and summarising documents. But when it comes to your voice, your ideas, and your perspective—that responsibility is yours alone. People aren’t drawn to you for flawless grammar; they follow you for authenticity, insight, and originality.
While AI can deliver an impressive first draft, it cannot imitate your lived experiences, your sense of humour, or your unique perspective; that’s where your value lies. By weaving in your own stories, lessons learned, and opinions, you add a distinct human layer that sets your content apart from the rest. Like using toilet paper as a base for inspiration. MS Copilot refuses to work with the content!
Before sharing your content, take a moment to be intentional: ask yourself whether what you’re about to post genuinely adds value, whether it reflects your authentic voice, and if it’s something you would personally engage with if you encountered it. If the answer to any of these questions is no, it’s worth reconsidering your approach.
AI can be the Grammar Police, tidying things up, but it should never become your voice. Because at the end of the day, people connect with people—not algorithms.
So, it's better to be great 1-ply than cheap 2-ply. Quality over quantity. Always.