AI overview and plagiarism

A word about AI use like ChatGPT:

You need to know how to do things without relying solely on AI:

AI and quality issues:

While it’s writing is getting better, there are still issues with language and factuality.

And it’s not just writing 🙂

AI and plagiarism issues:

Here’s an example of that AI plagiarism.

AI and errors:

If you use, you must always doublecheck AI generated copy:

It’s not just in PR/journalism:

Where AI gets its answers:

According to a 2025 Muck Rack study

And sometimes, it actually takes longer using AI:

AI resources

That doesn’t mean there aren’t uses:

A Reuters Institute study in 2025 found 60% of journalists are using AI for:

2025 Muck Rack State of Journalism found most are experimenting:

One recommendation is to use AI as a collaborator while you maintain ownership of the core intellectual work: the research, the thinking, and the creation of the argument. Examples from Keith Quesenberry:

  • Use it as an Idea Generator: “I’m writing about the 2007-8 financial crisis. Suggest 10 non-obvious research questions I could explore beyond the typical narrative.”
  • Use it as an Outline Critic: After you create your own outline, ask for feedback. “Here’s my thesis and main points. Is it a logical flow? What’s the weakest argument?”
  • Use it as a “Rubber Duck“: When a paragraph feels clunky, paste it in and ask: “What am I trying to say here? Help me rephrase this for clarity.”
  • Use it as an Editor: After you’ve done the hard work, let it polish your creation. “Check this for grammatical errors, awkward phrasing, and inconsistent tone.” But don’t let AI replace your tone! Remember to maintain your unique voice.

Result:  AI serves as a collaborator that helps you brainstorm, test your logic, and polish your final product to make your own work even better.

plagiarism

An example of AI plagiarism