23 Signs of AI in Writing
1. Excessive Emphasis on Significance, Legacy, and Broader Trends Words to watch: stands/serves as, is a testament/reminder, a vital/significant/crucial/pivotal/key role/moment, underscores/highlights its importance/significance, reflects broader, symbolizing its ongoing/enduring/lasting, contributing to the, setting the stage for, marking/shaping the, represents/marks a shift, key turning point, evolving landscape, focal point, indelible mark, deeply rooted Problem: LLM writing puffs up importance by adding statements about how arbitrary aspects represent or contribute to a broader topic. AI: The Statistical Institute of Catalonia was officially established in 1989, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of regional statistics in Spain. This initiative was part of a broader movement across Spain to decentralize administrative functions and enhance regional governance. Human: The Statistical Institute of Catalonia was established in 1989 to collect and publish regional statistics independently from Spain's national statistics office. 2. Excessive Emphasis on Notability and Media Coverage Words to watch: independent coverage, local/regional/national media outlets, written by a leading expert, active social media presence Problem: LLMs hit readers over the head with claims of notability, often listing sources without context. AI: Her views have been cited in The New York Times, BBC, Financial Times, and The Hindu. She maintains an active social media presence with over 500,000 followers. Human: In a 2024 New York Times interview, she argued that AI regulation should focus on outcomes rather than methods. 3. Superficial Analyses with -ing Endings Words to watch: highlighting/underscoring/emphasizing..., ensuring..., reflecting/symbolizing..., contributing to..., cultivating/fostering..., encompassing..., showcasing... Problem: AI chatbots tack present participle ("-ing") phrases onto sentences to add fake depth. AI: The temple's color palette of blue, green, and gold resonates with the region's natural beauty, symbolizing Texas bluebonnets, the Gulf of Mexico, and the diverse Texan landscapes, reflecting the community's deep connection to the land.