Getting the right information is vital, especially in industries like healthcare and finance where precise information can mean life or death. Understanding how to spot AI-generated text helps readers avoid misinformation.
Detecting AI writing can be difficult, but there are some key indicators to watch for. Linguists advise paying close attention to grammar and syntax, but also noticing awkward phrasing and sentence structures. More information, check out at Spotting machine-written text.
1. Unusual phrasing
As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly ubiquitous, the ability to spot machine-generated text will become an important skill for any internet user. Until technical fixes and greater transparency around when human and AI-generated content is being used occur, however, people will need to learn how to recognize the signs of machine-generated writing themselves.
One key sign of machine-written text is unusual or overly complex sentence construction. This may be a result of an AI trying to emulate certain styles or genres, but it can also be a result of an AI struggling with grammatical rules or misinterpreting context. Linguists recommend looking for unusual word combinations and examining context to identify potential AI authorship.
2. Unreliable facts
As AI models improve, they may increasingly confidently assert false or misleading information. In some cases, these claims may have serious real-world consequences. It’s important to be able to recognize these characteristics so that you can cross-reference stated facts with other, reputable sources.
If you spot unusual phrasing or strange word combinations, these are likely indicators that a piece of text is machine-written. Also, look for contextual inconsistencies and logical gaps. These errors signal the presence of an algorithm. They’re easier to detect when you read the text in context and are familiar with the language. But they can also be missed if you skim the page without reading the entire article or piece of content.
3. Contextual inconsistencies
Whether you’re sharing an article or providing your credit card information, knowing when a piece of text has been artificially generated can help you avoid making potentially dangerous choices. A team of researchers is seeking to empower tech users to mitigate these risks, and their work has already made a big impact on the field.
While AI writing tools have come a long way, they are still not indistinguishable from human writing. Fortunately, there are several tell-tale signs that can alert readers to the possibility of AI authorship. Unusual phrasing, unexpected vocabulary, and logical errors are all key indicators of potential machine involvement. If you spot these five common signs, you can make more informed decisions about the content you consume. And you don’t need a degree in computer science to do it.
5. Predictable patterns
Aside from focusing on keywords rather than context, AI writing can be predictable in how it uses vocabulary and sentence lengths. It also lacks the personal experiences and cultural references that make human writing unique.
Fortunately, there are tools that can help spot machine-written text. For instance, GLTR (Giant Language Model Test Room) identifies inconsistencies in word choice and predictability to determine whether the text is written by an algorithm or not.
However, it’s still possible to get around detection models. Some AI-generated content is so convincing that it makes its way onto websites, even reputable news sites. This is particularly concerning in fields like healthcare and finance, where accurate information could mean the difference between success and failure or life and death. It’s important to learn how to spot machine-written text so you can avoid false information and protect your information.