AI Influences Human Language Use by 51% Post-ChatGPT Release

ChatGPT, the AI language model, is increasingly influencing how humans write and speak, according to recent findings by linguists. The AI tool, which generates text based on patterns it has learned from vast amounts of human-written content, is now shaping human communication in unprecedented ways. Words and phrases that are commonly used in AI-generated text, such as “delve,” “meticulous,” and “adept,” are now frequently appearing in human writing and speech.

Researchers from the Max Planck Institute in Germany discovered that academic YouTubers began using words favored by AI chatbots up to 51% more frequently after the release of ChatGPT. This shift in language use suggests that AI is not only learning from human-generated content but also dictating the style and vocabulary of human communication. The integration of AI tools into various software applications, from word processors to messaging apps, has made it difficult for users to avoid the influence of AI-generated text.

Linguists are concerned that the homogenization of language due to AI influence could make human writing less effective and engaging. Text peppered with clichés and buzzwords is less likely to capture and maintain readers' interest. Additionally, AI is contributing to the standardization of regional and international variations of English, potentially erasing unique linguistic quirks and expressions. For instance, a study by Cornell University found that AI may be influencing the writing style of Indian English speakers to sound more American. Similarly, UC Berkeley researchers discovered that ChatGPT prefers Standard American English and produces exaggerated caricature-like outputs when prompted by speakers of other dialects.

AI is also making human communication more verbose. A study by Swinburne University of Technology in Australia showed that people produced more wordy Facebook Marketplace listings after being exposed to ChatGPT-written ones. The average length of listings increased from 33 characters to 87 characters post-ChatGPT exposure. This trend towards longer, more flowery prose is a direct result of AI's preference for verbose language.

The influence of AI on human communication extends beyond language use. Research indicates that AI-assisted communication can affect how people perceive each other. A study by Cornell University found that the use of “smart replies” in work chats often improved trust, as AI tends to use more emotionally positive language. However, people who suspected their colleagues were sending AI-generated messages were more likely to perceive the sender as less collaborative and more demanding, raising concerns about the potential impact of AI on interpersonal relationships.

Despite these challenges, experts believe that identifying the problem is the first step towards addressing it. There is already a growing backlash against AI's influence on language, with many academics consciously avoiding AI-coded terms in their work. Some students are even refusing to use AI, taking pride in their ability to naturally formulate crisp sentences. AI users also have some control over how their synthetic writing sounds. Adjusting settings within AI tools to prompt them to avoid repetition, use precise language, and personalize tone can help mitigate the homogenizing effects of AI on human communication.

In conclusion, while AI tools like ChatGPT are undoubtedly influencing how humans write and speak, it is essential to recognize the potential drawbacks of this influence. By being mindful of AI's impact on language and taking steps to counteract its homogenizing effects, humans can continue to express themselves in unique and engaging ways.