A new study from Florida State University reveals a surprising linguistic shift: humans are increasingly adopting vocabulary commonly used in AI chatbots, such as ChatGPT. Researchers analyzed over 22 million words from science and technology podcasts, focusing on unscripted, informal conversations. The results indicate a significant rise in the usage of words frequently employed by AI, such as “garner,” “delve,” “intricate,” and “underscore,” since the chatbot’s emergence in 2022. This isn’t merely about new topics; the study suggests AI is subtly reshaping sentence structures and word choices, impacting the overall formality of human speech.
While some of these words possess inherent formal or technical connotations, the frequency of their appearance is notably higher than before. The researchers observed a preference for these more formal terms over simpler synonyms. Individuals are more likely to use “underscore” than “accentuate” or “delve” in place of “explore,” mirroring specific stylistic patterns found in AI-generated text. This mimicry, akin to children emulating admired figures, raises questions about the extent to which AI influences adult language acquisition. The trend isn’t isolated to podcasts; a separate study found similar results in academic writing.
This linguistic adaptation isn’t without potential drawbacks. The researchers warn of a concerning feedback loop: AI may be accelerating linguistic evolution but potentially homogenizing human language in unforeseen ways. While past technological advancements, such as texting and social media, have altered language, the impact of AI’s influence on vocabulary and sentence structure could be far-reaching. The researchers fear that the adoption of AI-favored phrases may not simply add to our lexicon but replace more nuanced and creative vocabulary, leading to a blander, more uniform style of communication.
The long-term consequences are yet to be fully understood. While replacing “cool” with “compelling” may seem inconsequential, the researchers caution that the way we speak fundamentally influences how we think and make decisions. The pervasive use of AI-infused phrasing could subtly shape our thought processes and decision-making in ways that might be detrimental. Further research is needed to fully understand the extent and implications of this evolving linguistic landscape.
