Student’s Income Drops by 90% Due to AI Tool: ChatGPT Blamed
A 22-year-old student from Kolkata, Sharanya Bhattacharya, has experienced a significant decrease in her monthly income, which has plummeted by 90%. Bhattacharya, who worked as a copywriter and ghostwriter while pursuing her studies, suspects that the alleged use of an artificial intelligence (AI) tool called ChatGPT is to blame for the decline.
Previously, Bhattacharya was earning approximately Rs 20,000 per month. However, she noticed a drastic reduction in her workload towards the end of 2022, which she believes is a result of companies relying on ChatGPT to cut costs. Instead of commissioning her work, these companies turned to the AI tool.
By the end of 2022, Bhattacharya’s workload had plummeted to the point where she was only able to write 1-2 articles per month. Unfortunately, the company she worked for did not provide a clear explanation as to why her workload had decreased.
The impact of this reduced income has taken a toll on Bhattacharya and her family. They have had to closely monitor their consumption of basic necessities such as food. Going out to eat, which used to be an enjoyable activity, has become a luxury they can only afford once every few months. Bhattacharya’s mother, a saree seller, has also felt the impact of the family’s financial strain.
Bhattacharya expressed her concerns about the larger implications of AI tools like ChatGPT on the copywriting industry. She believes that humans should be able to incorporate AI with their copywriting skills to work together in order to achieve better overall results. She hopes that in the future, a balance can be struck between AI technology and human creativity.
The decline in workload and income has taken a toll on Bhattacharya’s emotional well-being. She admitted feeling anxious, lost, and even experiencing panic attacks in recent months. The reduced work she received further exacerbated her distress.
It is important to consider both the benefits and drawbacks of AI tools like ChatGPT. While they can streamline certain processes and reduce costs for companies, they also pose a potential threat to human workers, as seen in Bhattacharya’s case. Striking a balance between the benefits of AI and the livelihoods of individuals in industries like copywriting is crucial.
Ultimately, Bhattacharya’s story serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by individuals in an increasingly AI-driven world. It highlights the need for ongoing discussions and collaborations between AI technology and human creativity to ensure a well-rounded and inclusive future.
