{"id":74281,"date":"2024-09-27T00:05:40","date_gmt":"2024-09-27T04:05:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/world.edu\/?p=74281"},"modified":"2024-09-27T00:05:40","modified_gmt":"2024-09-27T04:05:40","slug":"chatgpt-is-changing-the-way-we-write-heres-how-and-why-its-a-problem","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/world.edu\/chatgpt-is-changing-the-way-we-write-heres-how-and-why-its-a-problem\/","title":{"rendered":"ChatGPT is changing the way we write. Here\u2019s how \u2013 and why it\u2019s a problem"},"content":{"rendered":"

Have you noticed certain words and phrases popping up everywhere lately?<\/p>\n

Phrases such as \u201cdelve into\u201d and \u201cnavigate the landscape\u201d seem to feature in everything from social media posts to news articles and academic publications. They may sound fancy, but their overuse can make a text feel monotonous and repetitive.<\/p>\n

This trend may be linked to the\u00a0increasing<\/a>\u00a0use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT and other large language models (LLMs). These\u00a0tools<\/a>\u00a0are designed to make writing easier by offering suggestions based on patterns in the text they were trained on.<\/p>\n

However, these patterns can lead to the overuse of certain stylistic words and phrases, resulting in works that don\u2019t closely\u00a0resemble<\/a>\u00a0genuine human writing.<\/p>\n

The rise of stylistic language<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Generative AI tools are trained on vast amounts of text from various sources. As such, they tend to favour the most common words and phrases in their outputs.<\/p>\n

Since ChatGPT\u2019s release, the use of words such as\u00a0\u201cdelves\u201d, \u201cshowcasing\u201d, \u201cunderscores\u201d<\/a>,\u00a0\u201cpivotal\u201d, \u201crealm\u201d<\/a>\u00a0and \u201cmeticulous<\/a>\u201d has surged in academic writing.<\/p>\n

And although most of the research has looked specifically at academic writing, the stylistic language trend has appeared in various other forms of writing, including student\u00a0essays and school applications<\/a>. As one editor told Forbes, \u201ctapestry\u201d is a particularly common offending term in cases where AI was used to write a draft:<\/p>\n

I no longer believe there\u2019s a way to innocently use the word \u2018tapestry\u2019 in an essay; if the word \u2018tapestry\u2019 appears, it was generated by ChatGPT.<\/em><\/p>\n

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Examples of overused stylistic words and their simplified alternatives, from a ChatGPT query made on September 11. ChatGPT\/screenshot<\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>\n

Why it\u2019s a problem<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The overuse of certain words and phrases leads to writing losing its personal touch. It becomes harder to distinguish between individual voices and perspectives and everything takes on a robotic undertone.<\/p>\n

Also, words such as \u201crevolutionise\u201d or \u201cintriguing\u201d \u2013 while they might seem like they\u2019re giving you a more polished product \u2013 can actually make writing harder to understand.<\/p>\n

Stylish and\/or flowery language doesn\u2019t communicate ideas as effectively as\u00a0clear<\/a>\u00a0and straightforward language. Beyond this, one study found simple and precise words not only enhance comprehension, but also make the writer appear more\u00a0intelligent<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Lastly, the overuse of stylistic words can make writing\u00a0boring<\/a>. Writing should be engaging and varied; relying on a few buzzwords will lead to readers tuning out.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s currently no research that can give us an exact list of the most common stylistic words used by ChatGPT; this would require an exhaustive analysis of every output ever generated. That said, here\u2019s what ChatGPT itself presented when asked the question.<\/p>\n

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The top 50 stylistic words commonly used in AI outputs, according to ChatGPT. ChatGPT\/screenshot<\/p><\/div>\n

Possible solutions<\/strong><\/h3>\n

So how can we fix this? Here are some ideas:<\/p>\n

1. Be aware of repetition<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re using a tool such as ChatGPT, pay attention to how often certain words or phrases come up. If you notice the same terms appearing again and again, try switching them out for simpler and\/or more original language. Instead of saying \u201cdelve into\u201d you could just say \u201cexplore\u201d, or \u201clook at it closely\u201d.<\/p>\n

2. Ask for clear language<\/strong><\/p>\n

Much of what you get out of ChatGPT will come down to the specific prompt you give it. If you don\u2019t want complex language, try asking it to \u201cwrite clearly, without using complex words\u201d.<\/p>\n

3. Edit your work<\/strong><\/p>\n

ChatGPT can be a helpful starting point for writing many different types of text, but editing its outputs remains important. By reviewing and changing certain words and phrases, you can still add your own voice to the output.<\/p>\n

Being creative with synonyms is one way to do this. You could use a thesaurus, or think more carefully about what you\u2019re trying to communicate in your text \u2013 and how you might do this in a new way.<\/p>\n

4. Customise AI settings<\/strong><\/p>\n

Many AI tools such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot and Claude allow you to adjust the writing style through settings or tailored prompts. For example, you can prioritise clarity and simplicity, or create an exclusion list to avoid certain words.<\/p>\n

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The custom instruction settings in ChatGPT can be useful in tailoring outputs to meet your needs. ChatGPT\/screenshot<\/p><\/div>\n

By being more mindful of how we use generative AI and making an effort to write with clarity and originality, we can avoid falling into the AI style trap.<\/p>\n

In the end, writing should be about expressing your ideas in your own way. While ChatGPT can help, it\u2019s up to each of us to make sure we\u2019re saying what we really want to \u2013 and not what an AI tool tells us to.<\/p>\n