Can ChatGPT be Used Ethically
for Content Creation?

Wondering if using ChatGPT to write your next blog post or eBook is ethical? You’re not alone.

In this era of AI-generated everything—from essays to editorials—it’s easy to question if using tools like ChatGPT is fair, responsible, or even honest. Let’s break it down: the ethics of AI comes down to how you use it, not just if you use it. And yes, you can use ChatGPT ethically—when you know the guardrails.

But it does raise concern among my website-owner buddies (shoutout to Solo-Build-It!)—and rightly so. Many of us have poured years of effort, research, personal stories, and hard-won expertise into building websites that are helpful, human, and honest.

Now, with a few clicks on the keyboard—aka “prompting”—that same content can be regurgitated back to someone via an AI tool without them ever visiting the original site. No click. No visit. No ad revenue. No ebook sale. No opt-in. Nothing.

And that, frankly, is a real shame.

Why? Because websites depend on traffic to survive. When our pages are scraped, digested, and repackaged by AI models like ChatGPT—without attribution or a source link—we lose the opportunity to engage with that reader directly. They don’t see our helpful lead magnets, related articles, or special offers. They don’t subscribe to our newsletters. They don’t even know we exist.

That’s not just frustrating—it’s unsustainable. We’re still paying hosting fees, still updating content, still answering questions the AI can’t… but now fighting an uphill battle for visibility in a space that’s serving our hard work up like a buffet.

So while I love using ChatGPT as a tool to speed up brainstorming and content creation, I’m also very aware that it got this smart by reading our stuff—and now turns around and gives that info away for free. Ethics matter here. Respecting original creators matters.

How ChatGPT Mimics Language—Is It Ethical?

It all began with machine learning done on large language models as a way to predict... (to mimic) what people say or write.

After years of devouring content, its sophisticated output is simply amazing. But can ChatGPT be used ethically for website content?

Read further on about "Trust, but Verify."

How did it all start? I honestly suggest you get a copy of Amy Webb's book.

It's called "The Big Nine," which deftly describes AI's origin and intended purpose(s).

The book is frightening, yet reassuring at the same time - if that's possible.

What Are Large Language Models (LLMs)?

This is directly from ChatGPT as I didn't know how to adequately describe what "Large Language Models" are:

When you hear the term “large” in Large Language Models, it’s not just fluff—it actually refers to how massive these models are in terms of complexity. We're talking billions of parameters under the hood. (Think of parameters like brain cells for AI. The more it has, the more connections it can make.)

Big players like GPT-3 and GPT-4 fall into this category. These smart cookies can do everything from answering questions and summarizing blog posts to writing content and even translating languages.

Over the past few years, these models have seriously leveled up—thanks to better training methods and some serious computing power. Bottom line? They’re getting sharper, faster, and scarily good at mimicking human language.

AI in Academic Writing: Ethics or Shortcut?

Created with Midjourney

The use of artificial intelligence language models, such as ChatGPT in academic writing is raising ethical concerns, such as the ability to avoid getting a failing grade on a research paper.

To me, that defeats the object of having a brain. What's the point of having a brain and learning a skill, if a test-taker can simply search the net and copy and paste in answers - and pass? Where's the wisdom and usefulness in that?

ChatGPT in Test-Taking: A Fair Advantage?

Can ChatGPT be used ethically for test taking? After all, we're relying on machine memory and not our own memory. Talk about a cheat sheet where you can answer test questions using an AI program that provides human-like responses that fool teachers. Not anymore.

I asked ChatGPT this question (feeling somewhat awkward): "What steps are teachers taking to avoid students using AI to take tests for them?"

Its response: 

By employing these strategies, teachers can create a more secure testing environment and encourage students to develop genuine understanding and critical thinking skills.

AI in Healthcare: Ethics and Data Privacy

Created with Midjourney

Many proponents of AI's use beyond educational institutions, such as in the medical field, created quite a stir in the UK when data scraping took place on patients' records - without their consent or knowledge.

The sensitive information would be used to aid doctors in reaching better and faster diagnoses. Such technology was intended to help, not hurt.

Granted, decades ago we balked at using a calculator, thinking we'd forget how to multiply and subtract (on paper) but there's no way the average person knows the square root of 234 off the top of their head, and we were grateful for pocket-sized calculators.

BTW, the answer is 15.297058. Thanks, Texas Instruments.

Was ChatGPT Always Meant to Be a Chatbot?

OK, another awkward moment here (as I use AI to get answers!)

I asked ChatGPT this: "Was ChatGPT originally intended as an AI Chatbot?"

Before I provide its answer, I want to add here that I had two typos in my original prompt... but ChatGPT knew what I meant...

Its reply: 

Back to me: Thus, an artificial intelligence chatbot was born. By the way, ChatGPT was "open source" as a non-profit, but is now owned by Microsoft. Elon Musk had a huge hand in OpenAI when it truly was open source.

So we're back to the question: Can ChatGPT be used ethically if all we do is spew out content that comes from who knows where? It has to learn it from somewhere, it needs training data.

The first step was to read the past few decades' worth of pages and pages of internet stuff. Data security didn't seem to matter as the content was "out there" freely for anyone to read, right?

A search engine brings back content related to your search (prompt). In the early days, there were issues with sentence structure and false information output. It's getting better and better, with every passing...second. (Not days, weeks, or months... but seconds - probably nano-seconds).

Why AI Ethics Is Making Headlines

Back in March 2023, Elon Musk and a group of tech leaders made headlines with an open letter calling for a pause on advanced AI development. His concern? That AI is learning and evolving way too fast—faster than we humans can monitor or control. He warned that we’re racing toward a future where AI might reach a level of critical thinking and autonomy that leaves us completely out of the loop.

Scary stuff? Maybe. But here’s the thing...

There’s no denying that ChatGPT is a powerful tool—especially when it comes to getting that messy first draft written (or even a polished one, with the right prompts).

But just because it can create human-like content doesn’t mean you should skip the human part. If you’re asking, “Can ChatGPT be used ethically for content creation?”—the answer is: yes, if you edit and fact-check it.

Better yet, run your content through something like Originality.ai. It’ll challenge you to rewrite or rethink anything that sounds too machine-made, so your final version is 100% yours.

Will AI Replace Human Writers and Editors?

There is a growing fear that copy editors and writers will be out of a job. These generative AI tools have become 'the norm' for composing books, live chats, and creating music!

Use ChatGPT to write song lyrics, and then try an AI-assisted music app like AITUBO, and hey presto! You're a best-selling song artist. 

But not so fast.

It still takes human intelligence to ask (prompt) AI models to give us the output we can use, with ethical considerations to all concerned, in all industries.

How AI Helped Me Overcome Writer’s Block

OMG, I was so excited (and still am!) about the ability to use ChatGPT and other AI technology to help me write blog posts. Gone are the days of the blank screen and blinking cursor.

My first jaunt into AI was through "Jasper," formerly known as Jarvis. That was back in August of 2022. I was mesmerized by how helpful AI was, in getting over writer's block when all that came to mind were "two steps" to dehydrating herbs at home.

I simply asked Jasper to give me all the steps necessary, complete with instructions, on how to grow and dehydrate herbs using a dehydrator. My freebie eBook was born!

It's up to you, then, to verify the content. Reminds me of the great late Ronald Reagan when he said:

"Trust, But Verify."

But how do you verify? Yep, you do an internet search. It's a vicious cycle, really. There will come a time (if it's not already here) that we have to trust what we read.

Google searches will only bring back what people deem to be "the right answer" because they remained at a certain SERP result/page for 'x' amount of minutes, causing it to rank higher and (appear to) be trustworthy.

🧾 Ethical AI Use Checklist
(Trust, But Verify!)

If you’re wondering how to make sure you’re using AI the right way, here’s a quick checklist I use before hitting “publish” on any AI-assisted content:

☐ Did I fact-check everything the AI spit out?

☐ Did I rewrite the content in my own voice?

☐ Did I add personal stories, opinions, or tips?

☐ Did I run it through Originality.ai or similar to check for heavy AI overlap?

☐ Am I willing to stand by this content publicly as my own?

☐ Did I avoid using AI to generate medical, legal, or sensitive claims?

AI as a Tool: Where Ethics Come In

The use of ChatGPT shouldn't make you afraid. It's just a new tool, like the calculator. Admittedly, it's a massive industry "disruptor" that provides new ways to create content for an ever-thirsty content-ridden market.

I know, every guy and his dog has a blog. That's why I wanted to write this page. My website host, Solo-Build-It!, has released "Tai," (Transformative AI) which will help us SBIers create even more outstanding blog posts with the aid of AI. 

Check out SBI here. Start your own blog as a side hustle. Join me inside SBI! and get a head start on your work-from-home blog.

So—can ChatGPT be used ethically for content creation? Yes, but only if you apply your human smarts, your integrity, and your editing skills. Like any powerful tool, AI is neither good nor bad—it’s how we wield it that counts. If you're a blogger or author looking to create content responsibly, start by fact-checking, rewriting, and adding your authentic voice.

🚀 Want to learn how to blend AI with ethical publishing? [Join me inside SBI!] where we use “Tai” to supercharge our blogs the right way.

FAQs on Using ChatGPT Ethically

Share the Love (and the Ethics)

If this helped you feel more confident about using AI responsibly, pass it on! Copy the link, pin it, tweet it, or shout it from your virtual rooftop.