If I see one more post calling out content for 'giving AI', I might throw my computer out the window.
Sure, AI is being used to write content, and sure, sometimes it’s pretty obvious. But what’s honestly driving me a little crazy is how much focus is being placed on catching AI at work rather than on writing good content in the first place (whether a robot is involved or not).
One of the latest AI 'tells' making the rounds is that "asking questions in a post is a giveaway of AI". Questions. You know, that simple and effective way to start a conversation that humans have been doing for centuries? It’s not some telltale sign of a robot at work... but apparently, that’s where we are now.
Now, let's talk about the e̶l̶e̶p̶h̶a̶n̶t̶ em dash in the room. Apparently, if you use too many em dashes in your writing, you're giving AI, which is particularly frustrating for this writer who freakin loves using them to add rhythm and flow to her writing. It can replace commas, colons, and parentheses, making the text feel more conversational and approachable. This is especially useful in short-form content or social media, where the goal is to keep things engaging and readable.
If you've called someone out on these things before, you're missing the bigger picture.
The "telltale signs of AI" are generally the things that rarely add value. Like when:
The structure feels too balanced
There’s no strong personal voice or opinion
The copy feels repetitive or robotic
No grammatical rules are broken for the sake of a good story (because, of course, they haven't! A robot doesn't "get" that kind of nuance).
Of course, there are the rocket emojis 🚀 and the endless titles with an unnecessary colon.
Those AI tactics are easy to spot, and honestly, they don't really move the needle.
This is where hiring a real copywriter comes in because, at the end of the day, AI lacks the lived experience, the personality, and the deep connection that a real person can bring to their writing. One that can create connections, build trust, and craft words that speak directly to your audience.
So, the next time you’re thinking about spotting AI in a piece of content, maybe ask yourself: Is this writing helping me connect with my audience? Does it reflect my brand’s voice and values? If it doesn’t, chances are it’s not just about whether AI is involved—it’s about your messaging, approach, and the lack of a real connection with your clients.
...Me after writing that last line 😉
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