Okay, so this is not my typical real estate marketing post; but this is something that I spend a lot of time discussing with clients. Specifically around Content Marketing (blogging).
Letβs be honestβAI is everywhere now. From blog posts and product descriptions to emails and even poetry, machines are writing more than ever. And while thatβs not necessarily a bad thing,
I set my mom loose on ChatGPT about a year ago and now anything the model spits out is Gospel.
The problem is, itβs often not, and it reminds me of an old computer science acronym: GIGO
GIGO stands for βGarbage in, garbage out.β It means that the quality of what you get from a machine depends entirely on the quality of what you put into it. This is especially true with AI. If your prompt is vague, generic, or missing key details, the output will reflect that. But if you feed it thoughtful, specific input, youβre far more likely to get something usefulβand even impressiveβin return.
This raises an interesting question:
Can you tell when something was written by AI?
The answer is: sometimes. But itβs not always obvious. AI writing has gotten really good. Still, there are a few subtle signs that can tip you off. Think of them like breadcrumbsβsmall clues that, when added up, suggest a machine might be behind the words.
Letβs break them down.
1. π§Ό Itβs a Little Too Clean
AI-generated writing often feels polishedβsometimes too polished. The grammar is flawless, the punctuation is textbook, and the structure is neat. But that perfection can feel sterile.
Real-world example:
A blog post that reads like it was edited by a robot with a grammar obsession. No contractions, no slang, no personality quirks. Just⦠clean.
What to look for:
- No typos or casual phrasing
- Sentences that feel templated or overly formal
- A lack of rhythm or voice
2. π Repetition Without Purpose
AI models sometimes repeat themselvesβnot in a poetic or persuasive way, but in a βdidnβt I just read this?β kind of way.
Real-world example:
A paragraph that says, βAI is changing the world,β followed by, βThe world is being changed by AI,β and then, βThis change is significant.β You get the idea.
What to look for:
- Reworded versions of the same sentence
- Overuse of certain phrases or buzzwords
- Redundant explanations
π€·ββοΈ Vague or Non-Committal Language
AI doesnβt have opinions. It can simulate them, but it often plays it safe. Youβll notice a lot of hedgingββsome people say,β βitβs important to consider,β βthere are pros and cons.β
What to look for:
- Lack of strong takes or personal insight
- Overuse of balanced arguments
- No clear conclusion or call to action
π§ No Lived Experience
This oneβs big. AI canβt draw from real life. So if a piece talks about βhow it feels to buy your first homeβ but doesnβt include any personal anecdotes, emotions, or sensory detailsβit might be synthetic.
What to look for:
- Generic storytelling
- No βIβ or βweβ perspective
- Descriptions that feel flat or disconnected
π§© Weird Logic or Offbeat Phrasing
Sometimes AI justβ¦ glitches. It might use a metaphor that doesnβt quite land or make a leap in logic that feels off.
Real-world example:
βBuying a house is like planting a tree in the oceanβit takes time and patience.β Wait, what?
What to look for:
- Strange analogies
- Misused idioms
- Sentences that sound right until you read them twice
π οΈ Use a Detection Tool (But Donβt Rely on It Alone)
There are tools like GPTZero, Copyleaks, and Originality.ai that can help flag AI-generated content. Theyβre usefulβbut not foolproof. Think of them as a second opinion, not the final word.
Final Thoughts
AI writing isnβt inherently bad. In fact, it can be incredibly helpful. But knowing how to spot it is a valuable skillβespecially in a world where authenticity matters more than ever.
So next time youβre reading something and it feels a little too smooth, a little too balanced, or just a bitβ¦ off? Trust your gut. You might be reading the work of a very clever machine.