In a recent TIME Magazine article, Health and Wellness Editor Angela Haupt explains that people who frequently use AI chatbots often start to sound AI-assisted in their writing and even in conversation. This observation may support the idea that AI chatbots can influence the way we think and make decisions.

In the article, Haupt profiles Olivia Dreizen Howell, a co-founder of an online divorce support group who was accused of sounding like an AI chatbot after posting on Instagram. She later clarified in the comments that she had written the post herself, without any help from AI. The accusation reportedly upset Howell, who said she felt attacked. “It felt invasive,” Howell told TIME. “I put my blood, sweat, and tears into my work,” she added, “and I wanted people to know that wasn’t true.”

Haupt points out that as AI chatbots become part of everyday life, AI-generated content is more easily recognized, and often dismissed, online. As a result, “Did AI write that?” has even become an internet insult, she reports. Stephanie Steele-Wren, a psychologist in Bentonville, Arkansas, told TIME:

It’s basically shorthand for, ‘You don’t sound human enough,’ which is a pretty loaded accusation. It taps into a much bigger cultural anxiety about authenticity, and whether or not we can still recognize a human voice when we hear or read one. The implication is clear: The person on the other end lacks intelligence, originality, and credibility—and may not even be worth engaging with or trusting.

There’s a real hunger right now for writing that feels unmistakably human, with all the quirks, oddly specific details, and little flashes of personality that AI can’t quite mimic. Humans are naturally chaotic and idiosyncratic. AI is not.

You can already see people adapting with more intentional messiness, more humor, and more specificity. It’s a collective attempt to signal, ‘A real person wrote this.’

Below are some key highlights from Haupt’s article about authenticity, why such accusations hurt, and how to respond when you’re accused of being inauthentic.

• Why it stings: Haupt notes that large language models (LLMs) often produce writing with recognizable patterns, such as specific constructions and overused punctuation, such as overly tidy conclusions and unnaturally smooth transitions, leading to a perceived lack of authenticity and a dehumanizing effect. Being told you sound like AI is dehumanizing because it implies your voice is generic and interchangeable, Steele-Wren told TIME.
• A desire for authenticity: Haupt explains that concern over AI-generated content has increased the demand for writing that feels clearly human. Some people now add small mistakes or personal quirks to show authenticity. Alex Kotran, a co-founder focused on AI literacy, told TIME that he avoids over-polishing his work so it won’t be mistaken for AI-generated content. This shift shows how attitudes are changing, with imperfections sometimes seen as proof of authenticity rather than carelessness. Nicole Ellison, a professor at the University of Michigan School of Information, also told TIME that there are no clear guidelines for AI use, leaving many people unsure about transparency. Some experts believe society may begin valuing analog activities and openness more as a response to growing automation.
• What to say when accused of sounding like AI: Howell told TIME that when she was accused of using AI, she defended her Instagram post and made it clear she had written it herself. If it happened again, she said she wouldn’t feel the need to respond, confident in her marketing expertise. She added that slowing down, choosing her words more carefully, or using a softer tone are other ways to approach such situations.

Begg told TIME that people are becoming more aware of AI’s influence and automated communication online, which is leading to a backlash against AI-generated content. He added, “I think people are getting a little bit sick of it, and they’re beginning to rebel against AI and the ‘algorithmization of everyday life.’ That includes calling out people for what they believe is AI-generated writing.”

Acknowledgement: The summary section of this post was generated using AI writing tools as part of my experimental learning process. For more information, please refer to the original TIME Magazine listed below.

Related Resource links

• The Internet’s New Favorite Insult: ‘Did AI Write That?’ | TIME Magazine