Fact Check: "Em dashes are less commonly used in human-written documents compared to AI-generated ones."
What We Know
The claim that em dashes are less commonly used in human-written documents compared to AI-generated ones stems from observations made by users of AI writing tools, particularly ChatGPT. Some users have noted that AI-generated text often features a higher frequency of em dashes than they typically encounter in human writing. For instance, a LinkedIn user remarked on the prevalence of em dashes in posts, suggesting this was indicative of AI usage (source-4).
Moreover, ChatGPT itself acknowledges that early versions of AI-generated content tended to use em dashes more frequently than the average human writer, as part of mimicking formal or stylized writing (source-4). However, it also clarifies that the presence of em dashes alone is not a reliable indicator of AI-generated text, as they have historically been used by various authors, including celebrated writers like Emily Dickinson and Friedrich Nietzsche (source-4).
Analysis
The evidence surrounding the claim is mixed. On one hand, anecdotal observations from users suggest that AI-generated content may exhibit a higher frequency of em dashes, leading to the perception that they are a hallmark of AI writing. This perception is echoed in discussions on platforms like LinkedIn and Reddit, where users have expressed suspicion about the use of em dashes in professional communication (source-4).
However, the reliability of these observations is questionable. The claim lacks empirical research to substantiate the assertion that em dashes are indeed less common in human writing. Furthermore, the argument that em dashes are a "giveaway" of AI writing is countered by the understanding that they are a legitimate punctuation mark used by many writers for stylistic purposes (source-7).
Additionally, the notion that AI writing is characterized by its use of em dashes may stem from a misunderstanding of AI's capabilities. As AI models evolve, they are increasingly able to adapt their writing styles based on user prompts, which means that the use of em dashes can vary significantly depending on the instructions given (source-4).
Conclusion
The claim that em dashes are less commonly used in human-written documents compared to AI-generated ones is Partially True. While there is anecdotal evidence suggesting a higher frequency of em dashes in AI-generated text, there is insufficient empirical data to definitively conclude that human writers use them less often. The use of em dashes is a stylistic choice that varies among writers and contexts, and it cannot be reliably used as an indicator of whether a text was generated by AI.
Sources
- Miguel Araújo - 1986 - Hoje Eu Vi o Mundo - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoXEcBOKxIc)
- The Em Dash Dilemma: How a Punctuation Mark Became ... (https://medium.com/@brentcsutoras/the-em-dash-dilemma-how-a-punctuation-mark-became-ais-stubborn-signature-684fbcc9f559)
- Miguel Araújo – Hoje Eu Vi O Mundo Lyrics | Genius Lyrics (https://genius.com/Miguel-araujo-hoje-eu-vi-o-mundo-lyrics)
- 'ChatGPT Hyphen': Are Em Dashes a Giveaway of AI Writing? (https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/chatgpt-hypen-em-dash-ai-writing-1235314945/)
- João Só c/ Miguel Araújo - Hoje eu vi o Mundo (https://aminhacaixademusica.blogs.sapo.pt/joao-so-c-miguel-araujo-hoje-eu-vi-o-2495013)
- 1986 - Hoje Eu Vi o Mundo - song and lyrics by Miguel Araújo, João … (https://open.spotify.com/track/1o5WUr9D67k5ef4POvzWDj)
- No, Em Dashes Are Not a Sign of AI. | by Victoria A. Fraser (https://victoriafraise.medium.com/no-em-dashes-are-not-a-sign-of-ai-f14629a4d217)
- Miguel Araújo & João Só - Hoje Eu Vi O Mundo - 1986 - O Disco (https://www.vituga.com/watch_video.php?v=zy1oBg3g0Wf4)
