Your AI-Generated Content Might be Rehashed! Google’s Senior Search Analyst Thinks So…

Welcome again, the tumbleweeds of the digital realm, the avid readers, and the geeky minds, to this latest edition. 

So, unless you’re still living in the dark age, artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT, Bard, and Bing, among others, are the talk of the digital town and are gaining traction, all for good reasons. 

Whether it’s writing blog posts, articles, scripts, or even poetry in the style of Rudyard Kipling, people are summoning these tools for basically everything. 

But today’s shindig isn’t about generative AI tools; it’s about the Google AI content update from Google’s Senior Search Analyst that has taken the internet by frenzy.

Let’s straightaway dive into the news!

What’s the News?

Google’s Senior Search Analyst, John Mueller, issued a statement on Reddit that goes as, “By definition (I’m simplifying), if you’re using AI to write your content, it’s going to be rehashed from other sites.” 

Mueller’s statement is based on the fact that AI-generated content is trained on a massive collection of text and code. (More on that later!)

While some have complained that Mueller’s statement is unfair to AI-generated content makers. Their stand? They claim that AI-produced content can be unique, original, and exciting and that it should not be viewed from a different perspective just because it is made by an AI tool.

Others have defended Mueller’s remark, claiming that transparency regarding the provenance of AI-generated information is essential. They suggest that viewers should be informed that AI-generated content may not be as original or reliable as human-written or human-made information.

Don’t know what’s rehashed content? Fret not; we’re here! Let’s explore what it is…

What, Why, and How of Rehashed Content?

What is Rehashed Content?

Rehashed content is the type of content that has either been copied or paraphrased from various sources without adding any value to the content. 

This type of content is often developed using generative AI tools or any automated tools that are trained on large datasets of images, text, and code.

Why Should You Avoid Rehashed Content?

When it comes to the usage of rehashing content on the website, it is a major no-no for any website owner or marketer. Why? Because it is not original or valuable and can be boring for your readers while being unhelpful to your SEO efforts. 

Incorporating rehashed content into your website can lead users to ditch your content and click away from your website. 

Here’s John Mueller’s take on why you should avoid usage of rehashed content, “If you want people to link to your site, you need to make it link-worthy, recommendation-worthy. If you want search engines to send folks your way, you need to provide something that’s not the same as on other sites (and, of course, do a lot more than just have that content).” 

So, regardless of whether you publish rarely or very often, it’s essential to avoid rehashing content from other sources. Instead, focus on creating original, unique, and well-researched content that adds value to your readers.

How to Avoid Usage of Rehashed Content?

Rehashed content is a significant turn-off for readers and can damage the website’s reputation. Apart from developing content that is original, unique, and well-researched, there are a few additional steps to follow.

Make use of a content brief – A content brief is a document that describes the objective of your content, its intended audience, and meaningful messaging. This might help you keep focused and prevent plagiarizing stuff that is irrelevant to your audience.

Cite your sources – If you do utilize content from other sources, make sure to quote them correctly. This will assist you in avoiding plagiarism and will demonstrate to your readers that you are giving credit where credit is due.

Be open and honest – If you use content from other sources, be transparent with your audience about where the content comes from. This can be accomplished by including a disclaimer at the bottom of your work or by having a link to the original source.

Also Read: What to Expect During a Free Website SEO Analysis Consultation?

Does that Mean Google Doesn’t Support Rehashed Content or AI Content?

When it comes to whether search engines like Google approve of rehashed or AI-generated content, their stance has been contested. A while ago, John Mueller made a remark, “… for us it’s still automatically generated content, and that means for us it’s still against the Webmaster Guidelines. So we would consider that to be spam.” clarifying Google’s hard stance against the usage of auto-generated content. But in February 2023, Google Search released Google AI content update stating how Google supports content regardless of how it has been produced as long as it follows the E-E-A-T guidelines to create helpful, reliable, and people-first content.

In a nutshell, Google has set the record straight that it doesn’t mind auto-generated content as long as it’s for the readers and not search engines.

Let’s Conclude

In the realm of content creation, the temptation to use rehashed or auto-generated content may seem like efficient and effective digital marketing solutions. After all, it can not only help extend your content lifespan but also help with consistent brand messaging and ensure time and resource efficiency. Yet, as we’ve explored, the danger of falling into the pit of rehashed or auto-generated content can be real. 

If you’re serious about creating content that will not only enable your visitors to derive value but also help you achieve your business’s bottom line, don’t rely on rehashing or auto-generated content. If possible, it’s recommended to hire a full-service and qualified content marketing agency that can help you with end-to-end digital marketing solutions. 

So before we bid adieu, don your creativity hat, pull up your sleeves, and get down to writing original and authoritative content that is of actual value to your audience. Because, let’s be honest, the use of rehashing or AI as a tool can be time and resource efficient but cannot be an apt replacement for human writers.