“Author Intelligence”- The Other AI and How It Reigns over Artificial Intelligence

By Jeffrey Mangus, CEO and Founder, Mangus Media Group

Have you ever paused mid-scroll, captivated by a story that feels like it’s talking directly to your soul? Have you felt that and then had this doubt, only to wonder: Were those words generated by AI or a human?

I’ve spent over a decade ghostwriting books, memoirs, and thought leadership narratives that not only inform, but also ignite emotions and drive genuine connections. Today, it’s a digital whirlwind, with artificial intelligence (AI) everywhere, churning out content at lightning speed. However, as I’ve built a career on the power of words, I’m compelled to distinguish AI and what I call “Author Intelligence”—the genuine human art of storytelling. I can’t ignore the similarities and differences between these two, but a deep focus on the human voice versus AI's flat, mechanical tone is a topic close to my heart. In the end, it’s about preserving what makes us human in a tech-driven world, for me and MMG.

Yes, both AI and Author Intelligence are tools for creation. AI, powered by algorithms and vast datasets, can process information, generate ideas, and even replicate patterns found in human writing. Similarly, authors draw from knowledge, experiences, and research to build compelling content. Both can produce volumes of text quickly—AI through computations, humans through disciplined creativity.

In fact, they often overlap: AI assists writers by suggesting outlines or researching facts, much like an author might use a thesaurus or library. This synergy is exciting; it democratizes content creation, allowing more voices to enter the conversation. But here’s where the paths diverge dramatically: the voice. The human voice in writing isn’t just about grammar or facts—it’s alive with nuance, emotion, and personal flair. When I write, I infuse my words with the rhythm of my thoughts, experiences, and the subtle inflections that make you feel seen. It’s a conversation over coffee, where pauses, emphasis, and empathy build trust.

Author Intelligence thrives on this: it’s intuitive and deeply connected to the reader’s world. Conversely, AI often delivers a flat voice—precise but predictable, efficient but emotionless. It lacks the soulful cadence that comes from lived experiences.

Yes, AI strings words together based on probabilities, not emotion. This results in a narrative that may feel polished, cold, and yet impersonal, like a robot reciting poetry. There isn’t a human heart behind it. Consider Terakeet, a digital marketing firm that pitted AI tools against human writers in a head-to-head experiment. They tested popular AI platforms, such as Jasper, Writesonic, and ChatGPT, against their in-house content specialists to see which could create outlines, complete drafts, and high-quality, SEO-optimized articles more effectively. The setup was fair: the same prompts and guidelines were used. The results?

Humans crushed it across the board. AI-generated outlines were skeletal and SEO-weak, often ignoring search engine results pages (SERPs) and failing to suggest internal links or credible sources—some even hallucinating fake references.
The AI's drafts weren't always right, especially when it came to recent events. The writing felt formulaic and artificial, with a stiff, automated tone. On the other hand, human drafts were precise, captivating, and audience-focused, incorporating relatable stories and a natural writing style. However, the surprise was how well the finished product turned out. The AI-generated content was not unique, used lengthy sentences, and had a difficult reading level that pushed readers away. By replicating existing web content, they increased the already substantial amount of online clutter.

 Human content was original, fact-checked, and written in a conversational tone that invited readers in. This case highlights a core difference: Author Intelligence adapts to human subtleties and emotional undercurrents that AI’s flat voice can’t replicate.

A Bynder study revealed that 52% of consumers lose interest in content they believe is AI-created, because it feels inauthentic and lacks emotional resonance. That's an astonishing figure, especially given the high value placed on attention nowadays. The human voice, with all its imperfections, creates loyalty, unlike AI's robotic sound.

 Ever get sucked into a blog because the writer's voice was so captivating? That's the magic of Author Intelligence – it's got that human touch, something algorithms can't do. I don't have anything against AI. At Mangus Media, we use AI to help, not take over, so our team can focus on the creative aspects. AIs like us in some ways, so that it can help, but the best ideas? They're still from us humans. The human voice is inspiring, so it gets heard in marketing, journalism, and other areas.

So, as we hurtle into an AI-augmented future, let’s not lose sight of what makes stories stick. If you’re a business leader wondering how to blend these worlds without sacrificing soul, why not start a conversation?

Click here to speak with our team at Mangus Media Group—because after all, in the end, isn’t human connection what it’s all about?