AI tools have become widely adopted across industries, and with them comes a rise in content that lacks the human nuances many readers appreciate. Fortunately, there are several common indicators that can help you spot AI-generated content.
The Em-Dash Problem
One of the clearest signs is the overuse of the em-dash. This once-celebrated punctuation mark, whose origins trace back to 15th century Ancient Greece (Chauhan), has become a casualty of machine-written text. Writers have long used em-dashes to insert clarifying information or create subtle emphasis. AI-generated writing, however, tends to overuse them in ways that are unnecessary or distracting. This shift has not gone unnoticed by professional writers, many of whom are concerned about the deterioration of stylistic balance in published content.
The Lazy Opening Line
Another red flag is the use of generic opening lines like “In today’s ever-evolving landscape.” While not exclusive to AI, this phrase signals a lack of originality. If the writer begins a piece with a vague and overused phrase, readers may wonder whether the rest of the content will be worth their time.
Rhetorical Flourishes and Predictability
AI-generated text often includes rhetorical structures designed to create contrast or emphasize a point. Phrases like “It’s not just X, it’s Y” or “We don’t just do A, we do B” appear frequently. These patterns are commonly produced by AI models because they prioritize clarity and simplicity unless given more specific instructions. In many cases, this approach results in writing that lacks depth, personal insight, or concrete examples. The absence of real-world context or localized references is another indicator that content may have been generated without much human involvement.
Identifying AI-Generated Images
Visual content also presents challenges. AI struggles with generating realistic images, particularly in areas like hands, faces, and textures. Extra fingers, too many teeth, or unnatural skin blending are all signs that something is off. Many AI-generated portraits also reflect biases or rely on stereotypes, especially when depicting people. Overly smooth surfaces and inconsistencies in lighting or shadows are additional cues that the image may have been machine-generated (Capitol Technology University).
So What Can We Do?
Our intention in sharing these signals is not to shame those who use AI tools. The goal is to encourage a commitment to producing quality content rather than simply increasing volume. As AI becomes more common in communication, the individuals and businesses that continue to sound human will stand out. That effort to be authentic makes a real difference.
As writers Bender and Hanna once noted, “If they can’t be bothered to write it, then why should I feel bothered to read it?”
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Sources
Bender, Emily M., and Alex Hanna. The Ai Con: How to Fight Big Tech’s Hype and Create the Future We Want. Harper, an Imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers, 2025.
Chauhan, Mansi. “What Is ‘Em Dash’? When to Use an ‘Em Dash’ in a Sentence?” Blueroseone, blueroseone.com/publish/what-is-em-dash/. Accessed 2 Sept. 2025.
Unknown. “How to Spot AI-Generated Content: Is It Fact or Fiction?: Capitol Technology University.” Washington D.C. & Maryland Area | Capitol Technology University, www.captechu.edu/blog/how-spot-ai-generated-content-it-fact-or-fiction?. Accessed 2 Sept. 2025.