AI-generated content has a certain... unmistakable vibe. It’s like reading a cover letter from a time-traveling Victorian businessman, technically correct, but weirdly unnatural. And just like spotting a bad wig in a crowded room, once you know what to look for, you can’t unsee it.
1. The “Corporate Robot” Voice
You know that person who tries way too hard to sound professional, and instead just ends up sounding like they were raised by a legal department? That’s what happens when AI writes something without human intervention. It defaults to an ultra-formal, overly polished tone that makes even the simplest statement sound like it was written for a UN summit.
Example:
"It is with immense enthusiasm and a profound sense of responsibility that we extend to you this unparalleled opportunity to engage with our innovative, cutting-edge solutions designed to redefine industry standards and optimize cross-functional collaboration at scale."
Excuse me?
A normal human would just say:
"Hey, we’ve got something new and useful for you. Check it out!"
But no. AI, when left unchecked, insists on making everything sound like an executive speechwriter on their third cup of espresso.
How to Fix It:
If you wouldn’t say it out loud in a casual conversation, don’t write it that way. Run your AI-generated content through the “Would I Actually Talk Like This?” filter. If it fails, rewrite it.
2. The Thesaurus Overdose
AI loves a good synonym. In fact, it loves all the synonyms. Instead of writing a simple, clear sentence, AI tries to fancy it up with unnecessary word swaps that turn basic sentences into literary landmines.
Instead of: “We’re happy to help,”
AI gives you: “We are profoundly elated to extend our esteemed assistance.”
Instead of: “This product is really useful,”
AI proudly declares: “This remarkably advantageous and exceptionally beneficial solution will provide outstanding utility.”
I’m sorry, but what?
AI is out here dressing up sentences like a toddler playing in their parent’s closet—extra fancy for no reason. And the worst part? People actually publish this stuff without noticing.
How to Fix It:
If a sentence makes you stop and wonder if you need a dictionary, simplify it. Clear and natural always beats complicated and awkward. Your audience will appreciate it, and you’ll avoid sounding like a malfunctioning vocabulary app.
3. The “Insert Statistic Here” Fail
AI doesn’t know things, it just predicts words. So when you ask it to generate an article that includes data, it often spits out placeholders like:
"According to a recent study at Cow Shit News, businesses that implement AI see a 300% increase in productivity.”
Yep. People are out here publishing AI-generated content that still has PLACEHOLDERS in it.
Worse? AI sometimes just makes up data.
This is how you get articles confidently stating things like:
"A 2023 Harvard study found that 92% of people prefer AI-generated content over human writing."
Really? That’s funny, because that study doesn’t exist.
And just like that, AI-generated misinformation spreads like wildfire.
How to Fix It:
Fact-check everything. If AI claims something is true, look it up. If you can’t verify the source, don’t use it. AI is not a research tool, it’s a glorified autocomplete. Treat it accordingly.
4. The Repetitive AI Loop
AI has a bad habit of saying the same thing in slightly different ways over and over again, as if it’s being paid by the word.
Take this AI-generated gem:
"AI is a powerful tool that businesses can use to increase efficiency. With AI, companies can improve productivity and streamline operations. The use of AI in business can create efficiency and improve operations, allowing companies to be more productive. Businesses that use AI will experience improved efficiency, productivity, and streamlined operations."
MAKE. IT. STOP.
If this kind of writing had a sound, it would be a dial-up modem connecting in 1999.
How to Fix It:
Trim the fat. AI-generated content is often 30% longer than it needs to be. Get to the point, make your argument, and move on. No one enjoys reading the same sentence five different ways.
5. The Emotionally Confused AI
Nothing screams “AI wrote this” like completely mismatched emotions.
Like an email that says:
"We sincerely regret to inform you of this unfortunate incident. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. Have a fantastic day! 😊"
Or a press release that announces layoffs with:
"While we are devastated to reduce our workforce, we are incredibly excited for the future!"
It’s giving robot therapist who has never met a human before.
How to Fix It:
Always read AI-generated content out loud before publishing it. If the tone feels off, adjust it. AI doesn’t understand emotions, it just predicts what words should come next. It’s up to you to make sure it actually makes sense.
How to Actually Use AI Like a Smart Person
AI is an amazing tool when it’s used correctly. It can speed up workflows, generate ideas, and help with repetitive tasks. But it should never replace human thinking.
Here’s how to get AI right:
- Use AI for drafts, not finished products. Let it help brainstorm, but always edit and refine.
- Keep it human. Add your own voice, personality, and humor. AI can’t replicate that.
- Fact-check everything. AI will confidently lie to you if you let it. Don’t trust verify.
- Keep it simple. If AI overcomplicates things, strip it down. Clear beats fancy every time.
- Read it out loud. If it sounds weird, it probably is weird. Fix it before publishing.
AI isn’t going anywhere. It’s a tool, one that can make businesses faster, smarter, and more efficient if it’s used properly. But if you’re just copy-pasting whatever AI gives you and hitting publish, congratulations, you’re part of the problem.
And honestly? We can all tell.
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