πŸ•΅οΈβ€β™€οΈ How to Tell If Something Was Written by AI

ai vs human how can you tell

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).

Let’s be honestβ€”AI is everywhere now. From blog posts and product descriptions to emails and even poetry, machines are writing more than ever. And while that’s 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, it’s often not, and it reminds me of an old computer science acronym: GIGO

GIGO stands for β€œGarbage in, garbage out.” 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, you’re far more likely to get something usefulβ€”and even impressiveβ€”in return.

This raises an interesting question:

Can you tell when something was written by AI?

The answer is: sometimes. But it’s 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 breadcrumbsβ€”small clues that, when added up, suggest a machine might be behind the words.

Let’s break them down.

1. 🧼 It’s a Little Too Clean

AI-generated writing often feels polishedβ€”sometimes 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. πŸ” Repetition Without Purpose

AI models sometimes repeat themselvesβ€”not in a poetic or persuasive way, but in a β€œdidn’t I just read this?” kind of way.

Real-world example:
A paragraph that says, β€œAI is changing the world,” followed by, β€œThe world is being changed by AI,” and then, β€œThis change is significant.” You get the idea.

What to look for:

  • Reworded versions of the same sentence
  • Overuse of certain phrases or buzzwords
  • Redundant explanations

πŸ€·β€β™‚οΈ Vague or Non-Committal Language

AI doesn’t have opinions. It can simulate them, but it often plays it safe. You’ll notice a lot of hedgingβ€”β€œsome people say,” β€œit’s important to consider,” β€œthere are pros and cons.”

What to look for:

  • Lack of strong takes or personal insight
  • Overuse of balanced arguments
  • No clear conclusion or call to action

🧠 No Lived Experience

This one’s big. AI can’t draw from real life. So if a piece talks about β€œhow it feels to buy your first home” but doesn’t include any personal anecdotes, emotions, or sensory detailsβ€”it might be synthetic.

What to look for:

  • Generic storytelling
  • No β€œI” or β€œwe” perspective
  • Descriptions that feel flat or disconnected

🧩 Weird Logic or Offbeat Phrasing

Sometimes AI just… glitches. It might use a metaphor that doesn’t quite land or make a leap in logic that feels off.

Real-world example:
β€œBuying a house is like planting a tree in the oceanβ€”it takes time and patience.” Wait, what?

What to look for:

  • Strange analogies
  • Misused idioms
  • Sentences that sound right until you read them twice

πŸ› οΈ Use a Detection Tool (But Don’t Rely on It Alone)

There are tools like GPTZero, Copyleaks, and Originality.ai that can help flag AI-generated content. They’re usefulβ€”but not foolproof. Think of them as a second opinion, not the final word.

Final Thoughts

AI writing isn’t inherently bad. In fact, it can be incredibly helpful. But knowing how to spot it is a valuable skillβ€”especially in a world where authenticity matters more than ever.

So next time you’re reading something and it feels a little too smooth, a little too balanced, or just a bit… off? Trust your gut. You might be reading the work of a very clever machine.

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