OpenAI’s ChatGPT is a popular AI-powered chatbot that can generate written content and has become increasingly popular among students looking for academic support. However, it has also become a potential nemesis for essay ghostwriters who cater to students looking for shortcuts to academic success. Cheating has been a persistent issue in the academic world, with essay ghostwriting services capitalizing on students’ desire for better grades, often at the expense of academic integrity. While the legality of such services varies, they have remained a lucrative business. The pandemic further fueled the demand for contract cheating, with reports of a tenfold increase during lockdowns. Notably, Chegg, a prominent player in the industry, reached a staggering valuation of $12 billion.
Critics argue that the rising costs of education and the uncertainty of securing well-paying jobs after graduation have turned educational institutions into profit-driven businesses. This perspective may drive students to explore alternative means of obtaining degrees. Some in the contract cheating industry contend that while their services are seen as unethical, the education system itself is failing students by making promises it cannot fulfill. In the eyes of essay ghostwriters, ChatGPT poses a substantial threat to their business. Some operators in this industry have reported a decline in demand, attributing it to the availability of ChatGPT. A survey by Study.com found that a significant percentage of college students had turned to ChatGPT for homework and essay writing, indicating its widespread use. However, a more comprehensive study reported lower figures, suggesting that while ChatGPT is gaining traction, its popularity might be leveling off. Despite the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT, some essay ghostwriters remain optimistic about their future prospects. They argue that AI-generated content lacks creativity and originality and cannot replace human writers’ skills. However, as AI technology continues to advance and improve its capabilities, it remains to be seen how long this optimism will last.