This month alone, Google searches for “AI Content Detector” have increased 321%!
The buzz surrounding AI has led to an overflow of misinformation and misconceptions, especially when it comes to generating content. The line between human-written and AI-written content is becoming increasingly blurred, causing concern for content authenticity, especially when it comes to EEAT.
Everyone is talking about AI, and with that conversation comes the worry that people are overusing it to create AI content that is resulting in duplicate content on the internet. This definitely throws a curveball at the game of content authenticity.
Not only that but AI content detectors are meant to give peace of mind to those running their content through them. Unfortunately, though, they are unreliable and inconsistent, adding to the nerve-wracking experience of trying to determine whether the content is AI-generated or actually written by a human.
To help users determine whether they are looking at a piece of true human content without using AI detectors, we reached out to Jade Pruett, content marketing expert and founder of HelloSEO, who shares unique insights on how to identify AI-generated content and why it’s crucial for maintaining content authenticity.
The Unnerving Perfection of Grammar
Okay, everyone wants to write like Shakespeare, but let’s get real. Humans make mistakes. Whether it’s a misplaced comma or a redundant phrase, these tiny imperfections make content human. On the other hand, AI often produces text that’s too clean, almost textbook perfect.
“If the content you’re reading is suspiciously flawless, raise an eyebrow. While it’s not definitive proof, it could be a clue you’re dealing with a machine,” says Jade.
The Context Conundrum
AI’s good, but it isn’t perfect when it comes to context. For example, it might miss cultural references or subtext humans would catch in a heartbeat. If you find content that lacks nuance or is oddly disconnected from the larger conversation, it might just be generated by our silicon-brained friend.
“Always check how well the content fits into the broader discourse. AI might nail the facts but miss the context of the topic,” suggests Jade.
Keyword Overload
AI is super savvy at SEO, often to a fault. If an article feels like it’s awkwardly stuffed with keywords like a turkey on Thanksgiving, there’s a chance AI is behind it. While keyword integration is important, a human touch ensures it’s natural and serves the content, not the other way around.
“Keep an eye out for over-optimized text that serves robots rather than humans. It’s like too much salt in the soup. Easy to spot if you taste carefully,” advises Jade.
The Emotional Flatline
Humans are emotional beings, and our writing naturally reflects that. Whether it’s humour, sarcasm, or sheer excitement, these qualities often evade the grasp of AI. If you’re reading content with all the emotional depth of a cardboard cutout, you might be dealing with AI.
“Feel the content, literally. If it lacks the emotional undertones that usually accompany human writing, consider it a red flag,” suggests Jade.
The Lack of Personal Experience or Anecdotes
As humans, we love to draw from personal experiences or throw in some anecdotes to make a point. AI, however, doesn’t have personal experiences to share (poor thing), which is why it lacks that personal touch.
“Look for personal experiences or real-world examples that suggest the author has skin in the game. A lack of it could point to AI involvement,” comments Jade.
These tips can help users identify AI content, but remember, the aim isn’t to demonise AI, but it is to preserve the authenticity and depth that come with human-created content.
