Startling shift in people's vocabulary should 'worry us', experts say

"Researchers at the University of Florida found that adults are increasingly weaving ChatGPT-style vocabulary into everyday speech, favoring words like 'surpass,' 'boast,' 'meticulous,' 'strategically' and 'garner.' The team analyzed 22.1 million words from unscripted and spontaneous spoken language, including conversational podcasts on science and technology. They discovered that nearly three-quarters of AI-associated words have surged in use since ChatGPT's release in 2022, with some more than doubling in frequency."

"Crucially, the increases were not mirrored in synonymous words, suggesting the change stems directly from AI influence rather than natural linguistic evolution. Experts are now sounding the alarm about the findings, saying AI is decreasing language diversity and causing a single dominant language. 'Everyone sounds polished, templated, safe, but at the expense of tone, texture, and authenticity,' Colin Cooper, a human behavior analyst, told Newsweek."

"'This research focuses on a central issue in the discourse surrounding AI and language: are these language changes happening because we're using a tool and repeating what it suggests, or is language changing because AI is influencing the human language system? 'By analyzing lexical trends before and after ChatGPT was released in 2022, we found a convergence between human word choices and LLM-associated patterns with AI buzzwords.'"

Adults increasingly use ChatGPT-style vocabulary in everyday speech, favoring words such as 'surpass,' 'boast,' 'meticulous,' 'strategically,' and 'garner.' A University of Florida team analyzed 22.1 million words from unscripted, spontaneous spoken language, including conversational science and technology podcasts. Nearly three-quarters of AI-associated words rose in use after ChatGPT's 2022 release, with some more than doubling. Increases did not appear in synonymous words, indicating direct AI influence rather than natural linguistic drift. Experts warn that AI-driven convergence decreases language diversity, producing polished, templated speech that erodes tone, texture, and individuality. Analysis showed convergence between human word choices and LLM-associated patterns.

Read at Mail Online