Artificial Intelligence (AI) is inspiring human behavior, potentially causing humans to mimic its characteristics.
In a world where digital interactions are becoming increasingly common, a study conducted by the University of Florida has shed light on an intriguing phenomenon – the influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on human language.
The study, titled "Model Misalignment and Language Change: Traces of AI-Associated Language in Unscripted Spoken English," revealed that humans are adopting certain linguistic patterns from AI systems. Eric Hal Schwartz, writing for Techradar, noted that this shift is particularly noticeable in discussions about science and technology.
One of the most striking observations from the study is the use of anthropomorphic metaphors in AI discourse. Words such as "künstliche Intelligenz" (artificial intelligence), "maschinelles Lernen" (machine learning), "schwache KI" (weak AI), and "starke KI" (strong AI), originally human-coined terms, are now being used by chatbots and AI systems.
Moreover, the study found that words like "delve," previously an action-oriented synonym for "explore," are being used more frequently by humans to talk about intangible explorations and discoveries. This shift, according to The Conversation, makes human communication more action-oriented, mirroring the direct and efficient style of AI-generated text.
However, this linguistic convergence between humans and AI raises some concerns. Rick Claypool, writing for Public Citizen in 2023, noted that as more and more of our conversations take place via text messages, chat boxes, emails, and social media messages, the power of conversational AI systems to imitate human language threatens to eviscerate the basic social understanding of who one is conversing with online.
The authors at The Conversation also pointed out that the inherent coexistence of smart systems in our world is opening up more pressing concerns. They suggest keeping an eye out as 2025 concludes, a year that promises to bring even more advancements in AI technology.
While the study found that synonyms to AI-preferred words are getting less use, people are absorbing specific stylistic tics from AI-generated text. Phrases like "treasure trove," "root cause analysis," and "enhanced user experience," while still used by humans, often appear stilted or inauthentic in human writing.
The authors at The Conversation asked if this could be a problem. As AI continues to shape how we talk, it's essential to strike a balance between embracing the efficiency and directness of AI communication and preserving the unique human elements of conversation. After all, the essence of human communication lies not just in the words we use, but in the nuances and subtleties that only humans can bring to the table.
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