ChatGPT’s favorite word

I’ve got good news and bad news.

First, the bad. While teaching my advertising class at Baruch College last fall, I noticed my students’ writing was very formal. At first, I thought it was cultural, as they were all exchange students, but I quickly realized it was AI.

Today, when I see “It’s important to note” or “In conclusion,” I automatically assume the copy I’m reading is from ChatGPT. 

AI overindexes on certain words and phrases so much that it’s changing the internet, which will reinforce those words and phrases even more. 

That’s the bad news. 

AI is incredibly useful, yes. But, we’re starting to rely on it so much that a lot of the “content” we create and “ideas” we share are losing flavor. It’s like eating a spoonful of plain oatmeal. Where’s the cinnamon, sugar, and blueberries?

The word “delve” is probably the most egregious example I’ve seen documented. In the last two years, as ChatGPT and other tools have grown in popularity, use of the word “delve” in scientific papers has increased by over 630%. 

Using AI to write isn’t inherently bad. But when AI creates content without a human filter, the quality will wither. 

And that is, sneakily, the good news.

AI abundance means human content that shows personality and a real point of view will stand out even more. 

The OpenAlex data tells us quite a few scientists are using it to write their reports. And a GetResponse survey from May said 71% of marketers are actively using ChatGPT.

I’m sure most people will learn to edit out these telltale signs pretty quickly and delete every “delve,” “tapestry”, and “fostering” that ChatGPT serves up.  

But, the soul of the content will still feel like it’s missing something. When we meet up with friends or colleagues in the real world today, it’s more valuable than ever. We shake hands, hug, laugh, and look each other in the eye to connect. 

Content that connects finds a way to do the same. Sharing those real, tactile parts of ourselves is what gets remembered. 

In conclusion, instead of delving into an intricate tapestry of transformative sameness, build your voice. Have something to say. And don’t be afraid for it to be a little messy. We need more of that.

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