What is the Purpose of “Block AI Training”?

This feature prevents AI models (such as those powering ChatGPT, Gemini, or various search engines) from learning from your content and stylistic choices. Consequently, they cannot utilize your distinctive voice or ideas to create new content.

For instance, prior to the availability of this option, I observed that generative AI tools were utilizing my 40 years’ worth of publicly accessible content—including academic papers, patents, chapters from books, white papers, articles, stories, and blog posts.

I realized this because certain specialized terms and unique phrases I developed from the 1980s to early 2020s have been adopted by ChatGPT, appearing in works by writers who have used these tools in recent years. I shared my thoughts on this situation in a story last year.

This realization does not distress me; instead, it has made me more vigilant and motivated to educate my mentees, readers, and subscribers, which is the reason for this article.

When Should You Utilize the Block AI Training Feature?

Here are two key considerations:

1. Safeguard Your Original Ideas: If you are a niche writer, an expert in a specific area, or simply value your distinct voice, employing the block option can protect your intellectual property.
2. Prioritize Privacy: If you have concerns about how your content might be utilized or who might access it, enabling this feature provides an additional layer of privacy.

When Should You Avoid Blocking AI Training?

Conversely, here are two considerations to keep in mind:

1. Expand Your Audience: If your primary goal is to attract more readers, disabling this option allows AI to recommend your content to a wider audience.
2. General Interest Writing: If your writing lacks specialization, the potential risks associated with AI training could be outweighed by the benefits of increased exposure.

Four Practical Scenarios for Blocking AI Training

Based on my insights and experiences, here are four illustrative scenarios:

1. A novelist crafting a unique fantasy universe may choose to block AI training to protect their original concepts.
2. A journalist reporting on current events might decide against blocking AI training to expand their readership.
3. A technologist sharing proprietary information about a new software development technique may prefer to block AI training to safeguard their intellectual property and inhibit competitors from easily replicating their work.
4. A scientist publishing research on a novel cancer treatment might opt not to block AI training to ensure maximum visibility and impact within the scientific community, even if it risks their work being used in AI training for medical applications.

What is the Conclusion of This Analysis?

In the current landscape, where understanding the effects and ramifications of generative AI tools is limited, I do not see a universal solution.

The optimal choice hinges on your personal objectives and priorities.

• Are you an established creator focused on maintaining originality and privacy?

  • If so, enable “Block AI Training.”

• Are you a newer creator (with less original content) aiming for audience growth and outreach?

  • If that’s the case, disable “Block AI Training.”

I would also like to emphasize that AI technology is in a constant state of evolution. Thus, the appropriate decision today may evolve over time. It is crucial to stay informed about technological advancements and adjust your settings accordingly.

Remember, Substack.com is your platform. You control your site, newsletter, intellectual property, style, and subscribers, so it’s essential to determine how your private content is presented and utilized publicly or commercially.

Large language models, such as OpenAI's GPT series and Google's Gemini, are generally trained on extensive datasets of publicly available information. While some models offer free access, enhanced features or increased usage often require a subscription, which is a commercial operation.

Substack provides the ability to block or enable AI training, granting creators control over their content. If you manage a website and wish to implement this, understanding some technical aspects is necessary. You can learn more about this by referring to OpenAI's article on how ChatGPT indexes web pages, complete with coding examples.

If you possess experience in this area, please share your insights in the comments.

For those new to this topic, I have written a step-by-step guide on how to get started and make the most of it.

Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts. I wish you a fulfilling and joyful life.

I would also like to introduce my three Substack publications, which cater to different audiences.

> Health and Wellness by Dr. Mehmet Yildiz | Substack

> Content Strategy, Development, & Marketing Insights | Dr. Mehmet Yildiz | Substack

> Technology Excellence and Leadership | Dr. Mehmet Yildiz | Substack

Feel free to join the ILLUMINATION Community on Medium and Substack.

I have penned numerous articles regarding writing and content strategy to assist emerging writers. You may find relevant pieces in the accompanying list. I will soon compile these articles in my Content Strategy, Development, & Marketing Insights publication.

To inform my new readers, I have written articles that may inspire you. My topics include mental health, cognitive functions, significant health conditions, longevity, nutrition, and insightful life lessons garnered over the past 50 years.

I publish my health and wellness narratives on EUPHORIA and share condensed versions on SUBSTACK. My posts do not constitute professional or health advice; they merely document my observations and experiences to provide information and raise awareness.

Writers are invited to join my publications by sending a request via this link. I currently support 30,000 writers who contribute to my publications on this platform. I also maintain another profile to curate technology stories.