When artificial intelligence first surged in popularity, many companies hoped it would help them reduce headcount and cut costs. However, instead of saving money, many organizations that hastily replaced staff with AI are now rehiring humans to correct AI-generated errors, often at a significant expense. According to a BBC report, a growing number of software engineers and writers are being employed specifically to fix mistakes made by AI tools.
For example, Sarah Skidd, a product marketing manager in Arizona, was recently contacted by a content agency struggling with AI-generated website copy for a hospitality client. The copy was basic and unengaging, failing to meet the client’s expectations. Skidd spent 20 hours rewriting the content from scratch at her usual rate of $100 per hour, resulting in a $2,000 bill for the agency. Many other writers have found themselves hired not to create original content but to correct the shortcomings of AI-generated text.
Despite the rising adoption of AI tools like ChatGPT and Google Gemini, which are often viewed as cost-saving and efficiency-enhancing solutions, the technology still falls short of human standards in many areas. A recent survey by the UK’s Federation of Small Businesses revealed that 35% of small firms plan to expand AI use within the next two years. Nevertheless, experiences like Skidd’s indicate that businesses may face ongoing challenges in fully relying on AI without human intervention.
