Here's a breakdown:
When it's generally acceptable:
* Personal essays and opinion pieces: These often use "I" to share personal experiences and perspectives.
* Blog posts and articles on personal websites: You have more freedom to use your own voice and share personal opinions.
* Journalistic articles with a focus on the writer's experience: For example, an investigative journalist might use "I" to describe their journey of uncovering a story.
* Some academic articles: In certain fields, particularly those with a qualitative or ethnographic approach, first person can be used to describe research methods or personal observations.
When it's generally not acceptable:
* News articles: These aim for objectivity and neutrality.
* Research papers: Formal research often emphasizes objectivity and avoids personal opinions.
* Scientific articles: These focus on presenting objective data and findings.
Things to consider:
* Target audience: Who are you writing for? Consider their expectations and the tone of the publication.
* Publication style guide: Many publications have specific style guides that dictate the use of first person.
* Impact on credibility: While personal anecdotes can be engaging, overuse of "I" might make your writing appear subjective or biased.
Alternatives to "I":
* Use third person: Instead of "I saw," you could write "The observer noticed."
* Focus on the subject: Shift the focus to the topic itself rather than your personal experience.
* Use passive voice: This can help maintain a neutral tone.
Ultimately, the best way to determine whether or not to use first person is to consider the specific context of your article and the expectations of your audience.