Tired of “AI Slop”? How to Write Articles with AI That Actually Offer Insight

Note: This article is self referential. I used the process described here in order to create this article utilizing “Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking Experimental with apps” (with the exception of this note)

Artificial intelligence is amazing at writing. Need a product description? A social media post? AI can churn it out in seconds. But let’s be honest, sometimes AI-generated content feels… bland. Generic. Like it’s missing that spark of real insight. We call it “AI slop” – and we’re all getting a bit tired of it.

But what if there was a way to use AI to write articles that are actually interesting, insightful, and original? What if you could partner with AI to create content that goes beyond the surface level and offers real value to readers?

Good news: there is! And it’s all about how you interact with the AI.

Forget “Outline-First”: Let Substance Lead the Way

Many guides to AI writing suggest starting with an outline. Sounds logical, right? But if you jump straight to structure, you risk filling that structure with… well, AI slop. It’s like building a beautiful frame for a picture, but then realizing you don’t have a compelling picture to put inside.

Instead, we need to flip the script. We need to focus on developing the substance of our article first – the core ideas, the unique angles, the genuine insights. And then let the structure emerge naturally.

The “Push and Pull” of User-AI Dialogue

The key to this substance-first approach is embracing an iterative “push and pull” dialogue with the AI. Think of it like a creative partnership, where you and the AI each bring different strengths to the table.

Here’s a breakdown of the three phases:

Phase 1: Ask a Super-Specific, Personal Question – Your Starting Spark

Forget broad topics. Start with a question that’s laser-focused and comes from your own curiosity or experience. Instead of “Write about AI and transportation,” try something like:

“Every Thursday evening, the Munich U-Bahn is packed, and I often see elderly people struggling. How could AI make Thursday evening U-Bahn commutes less stressful for elderly residents?”

See the difference? It’s specific, personal, and immediately sets a direction for deeper exploration.

Phase 2: Dive Deep with “Push and Pull” – Uncover Insights Together

This is where the magic happens. It’s not just about asking the AI questions and getting answers. It’s about a dynamic back-and-forth:

• Initial AI “Pull”: You start by asking the AI for broad info related to your question. “What AI is already used in public transport?” “What challenges do elderly people face on public transport?” Let the AI give you a general overview.
• Your “Pushback”: Don’t just accept the first answer! Critique it. Is it too generic? Missing something? Push back with more specific questions. “Okay, but give me real examples of AI helping elderly commuters, not just general ideas.” “What about cities like Munich?”
• Iterate, Iterate, Iterate: Keep going back and forth. Each time, your questions get more targeted, and the AI’s responses get more focused. You’re like a detective, digging deeper and deeper, with the AI as your research assistant and brainstorming partner. “Let’s focus on ‘delight’ – how can AI make transport enjoyable, not just efficient?” “Are there downsides to AI for elderly users we should consider?”

This “push and pull” is crucial. You’re not just telling the AI what to write; you’re exploring the topic with the AI. That’s where real insights emerge.

Phase 3: From Expert Summary to Layperson Article – Craft Your Message

Once you’ve explored the topic deeply through dialogue, it’s time to structure your insights and share them with the world. Here’s how:

• Expert Recap (AI Does the Heavy Lifting): Ask the AI to summarize your entire conversation as a short scientific paper for experts. This might sound fancy, but it’s brilliant! It forces the AI to organize all the information and insights into a structured, comprehensive format. Think of it as creating a detailed “expert-level” blueprint of your article.
• Layperson Explanations (Making it Accessible): Ask the AI to identify any jargon or technical terms in that expert summary and explain them in plain English. This ensures your article will be understandable to everyone.
• Write the Engaging Article (User in the Driver’s Seat): Finally, ask the AI to write a full blog post or article for a general audience, based on that expert summary and those layperson explanations. But remember – you are still the editor! Refine the AI’s draft, inject your own voice, add examples, and make it truly engaging for your readers.

Why This Works – Beyond AI Slop

This “substance-first,” iterative approach isn’t just about using AI to write faster. It’s about using AI to think better. By engaging in a dynamic dialogue, you:

• Avoid Generic Content: Starting with a personal, specific question and constantly pushing back against generic answers forces the AI to move beyond surface-level information.
• Unlock Original Insights: The iterative exploration helps you and the AI uncover novel connections and perspectives that wouldn’t emerge from a simple prompt.
• Inject Your Unique Voice: You remain in control throughout the process, ensuring that the final article reflects your individual understanding and perspective, not just a generic AI voice.

Ready to Ditch the Slop?

If you’re tired of bland, uninspired AI content, try this “push and pull” method. Engage with AI in a dynamic conversation, prioritize substance over structure, and let your own insights guide the process. You might be surprised at the genuinely insightful and original articles you can create together!