Can AI be Used in Editing?

While it may seem like Artificial Intelligence (AI) can take over editing jobs, it is actually far from replacing people at this point in time. It still has a long way to go before it reaches the same level of efficiency and correctness as a human; even longer until it surpasses our abilities. Even so, we should learn how to integrate AI into current editing practices so that as it evolves, we can better use it.

AI can be useful with catching common mistakes that editors may glance over or miss, such as spelling errors or misplaced commas. Programs such as Grammarly and spellcheck often catch these types of errors, sometimes even fixing them without the editor or writer’s knowledge. AI can also make the editing process faster and more efficient when used correctly. Although chat-based programs are not consistent with catching content errors yet, in the future they will be able to flag problem areas in writing for editors to check. Another use for AI in editing is as a starting point in translating media. Programs such as DeepL and Google Translate are far from perfect, but they can usually help editors understand what the text is trying to say. As useful as AI can be, it should not be completely relied upon to catch and fix every error. Remember to ask for input from a colleague as well before implementing AI’s suggestions into a piece. 

—Sara