Are Your Text Messages Written By An AI

Remember the days of giving a Hallmark card? It was the perfect solution when you cared deeply but couldn't find the right words, or were simply short on time. Today, we're seeing a digital evolution of this practice. Instead of relying on pre-written cards, some people are turning to AI chatbots like ChatGPT to compose everything from heartfelt condolences to casual chitchat. This growing trend is blurring the lines between genuine human expression and artificially generated sentiment.

Real-World Examples of AI in Texting

The phenomenon is popping up in everyday conversations. For instance, a Reddit user recently shared a text from his mother sent during his divorce. The message, which read, "Today is a turning point -- one that leads you toward more peace, healing, and happiness," felt so different from her usual style that he suspected AI was the ghostwriter. A quick check with an AI detector called GPTZero suggested a 97% probability that the text was AI-generated.

This isn't an isolated incident. Another Redditor posted a conversation where a casual chat about post-college life set off their internal alarm bells. In a bizarre twist, the recipient admitted to using ChatGPT to craft a reply, offering a glimpse into a future where AIs might just be talking to each other on our behalf.

The Authenticity Debate: Heartfelt or Hollow?

This trend sparks a compelling debate: does it matter if the words aren't original if the intention is pure? Many commenters on the divorce post defended the mother, arguing that people turn to AI when they struggle to express important emotions. As one person noted, "the intentions in this case were really good." The goal is to offer comfort, even if the words are borrowed.

However, the person wielding the AI can feel conflicted. In another case, a user felt immense guilt after using ChatGPT to write a thoughtful reply to their aunt. The aunt's response? She said it was the nicest text she had ever received and it brought her to tears, leaving the sender feeling like a fraud.

How Big Tech Encourages AI-Assisted Emotion

Some tech giants have actively promoted this use of AI. During a recent summer Olympics, Google aired an ad showing a mother using its AI, Gemini, to write a fan letter to an athlete on behalf of her daughter. The ad faced significant backlash, with critics arguing it promoted a dystopian future where technology replaces genuine human connection. Google eventually pulled the ad following the criticism.

How to Spot an AI-Generated Message

As AI models become more sophisticated, spotting their work gets trickier. However, there are still a few telltale signs:

• Uncharacteristic Tone: The message sounds nothing like the person you know. The style, vocabulary, and rhythm are off.
• Lack of Personal Detail: The text is generic and lacks specific shared memories or inside jokes that typically color personal communication.
• Too Polished: Human texts are often messy, with typos and casual grammar. An AI-generated message might feel a little too perfect and well-structured.
• The Em Dash: ChatGPT has a known fondness for using the em dash (—), which can be a subtle clue.

If your intuition tells you something is off, it might be worth paying attention. As we navigate this new landscape, the question of what constitutes authentic communication becomes more complex than ever.