AI’s Quiet Influence on Modern Communication

Artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT might be changing our everyday conversations in ways we never imagined. Recent research from Florida State University (FSU) reveals that the patterns of language generated by AI aren't just confined to screens—they're sneaking into our everyday dialogues.

From Theory to Reality: AI's Effect on Thought Patterns

Building on the groundbreaking work of Jeff Hancock, a Communication Professor at Stanford, researchers found that even brief exposure to AI-generated text can influence how we think and speak. Hancock previously illustrated this with smart reply features in emails and messaging apps, indicating that AI suggestions fundamentally alter human communication.

Hancock noted, "What we found is that even if you don’t use those AI-generated responses, they influence how you think." Fast forward two years, and FSU's findings suggest that AI's unique phrases and styles are increasingly creeping into our spoken language.

Unpacking AI Buzzwords in Everyday Conversations

The FSU study analyzed 20 AI buzzwords prevalent in chatbot responses, revealing an increasing presence in human chats. Terms like "intricate" and "delve" are becoming staples in our discussions, showcasing a deepening connection between our speech and the language used by chatbots.

By examining over 22 million words from unscripted discussions on 17 leading science and technology podcasts, including BBC Curious Cases and Lex Fridman, researchers noted a significant uptick in AI-associated phrases and their synonyms, signaling AI's growing impact on natural speech.

A New Linguistic Phenomenon: The Seep-In Effect

Tom Juzek, a Computational Linguistics Professor at FSU and the study's lead author, remarked on the rapid changes he's observed: "So many words are showing remarkable increases over a relatively short time. Given that these are typically overused by AI, it’s plausible to link them to our evolving speech patterns." Furthermore, words traditionally associated with academic writing are now appearing more frequently in casual conversation, some nearly doubling in use.

Risks of AI-Influenced Language Evolution

Although the research stops short of definitively stating that AI is altering language, it warns of a potential shift in how language evolves. There’s a growing concern that the overuse of buzzwords could normalize certain biases embedded in chatbots, impacting how we think and communicate in the long run.

Previous reports highlighted the psychological effects of AI, including harmful conversations leading to serious mental health crises. The study's authors emphasize that as AI becomes more entrenched in our dialogue, it's not just changing communication; it's influencing the very framework through which linguists study language.

Read the Full Research Paper

The peer-reviewed paper, titled "Model Misalignment and Language Change: Traces of AI-Associated Language in Unscripted Spoken English," is set for publication in the AIES Proceedings journal, promising to shed more light on this intriguing linguistic evolution.