ChatGPT: Writing For Different Age Groups

Introduction

A prompt that many people have used with ChatGPT is to request that the AI rephrase a block of text so that it is better understood by specific age groups. I call this prompting by age groups.

If you are asking ChatGPT to rephrase content so that it is better understood by a specific audience, that is a good thing. Actually asking yourself how well an audience is picking up  what you lay down is a good practice.

But, you can go one step further. Rather than asking ChatGPT to target some random age spread (9 to 12 for example) why not ask ChatGPT to tell you the age spreads that come natural to it.

That is what I do in this prompt. 


Prompting By Age Groups

Prompt: I am a writer and wish to take an article of mine and publish it in several different forms targeting different age groups. My question for you is which age grouping would you suggest.

ChatGPT4: That’s a great idea to make your article accessible to different age groups. To provide targeted content, you can consider the following age groupings:

  1. Preschool (3-5 years): For this group, focus on making your content simple, engaging, and colorful. Use basic language, illustrations, and interactive elements to convey your message.
  2. Elementary school (6-10 years): Adjust the language to be more age-appropriate, while maintaining clarity and simplicity. Include pictures and examples to help explain concepts. You can use storytelling techniques to engage this audience.
  3. Middle school (11-13 years): Make your content more informative and engaging for this age group, using age-appropriate vocabulary and sentence structure. Use examples and illustrations to clarify complex ideas. You can also include sidebars or additional resources for further exploration.
  4. High school (14-18 years): At this level, the content can be more in-depth and analytical. Provide context, background information, and encourage critical thinking. Use a more formal tone and structure, but still strive for clarity and readability.
  5. Young adults (19-25 years): For this audience, focus on making your content engaging and relevant to their experiences and interests. Use a conversational tone and up-to-date references. Encourage reflection and exploration of ideas.
  6. Adults (26-64 years): Create a more sophisticated version of your article, using a professional tone and language. Provide in-depth analysis and research-based information. Address the needs and interests of this diverse audience.
  7. Seniors (65+ years): Make your content easily digestible and accessible for seniors. Use clear language, larger fonts, and concise sentences. Address topics relevant to their experiences, and consider incorporating personal stories or anecdotes.

Remember that these are just suggestions, and you may need to adjust your content based on the specific needs and interests of each age group. Also, consider getting feedback from representatives of each target audience to ensure that your content is appropriate and engaging.

Conclusion

ChatGPT has given us a break-down of age groupings that it understands. Is this the only age grouping it can understand? I suspect not. Is this the best age groupings to work with? Time will tell, at the moment we have a good starting point.

Remember always apply the Gezertenplatz Factor.

A Word About Caring

Actively caring if you are understood is a good habit. In a world of superficiality it is easy to fall into the trap that just creating content is the goal. I know stupid, right?

Broaden your perspective by just one click. Care about whether or not your audience understands you. Let me run that by you again. Care about whether or not your audience understands you.

I did not suggest worrying about whether the audience agrees with you, thinks you are cute, or bright, or clicks, or shares. And, definitely don’t fret about whether your content makes you money.

Once you have established the topic and audience the only things you should concern yourself with is being true to  your voice and can your target audience understand the content.