AI is changing the way we speak
Language evolves through usage, and is influenced by popular culture and social proof, so it should be unsurprising that our unscripted language is being biased by AI.
The researchers from the Max-Planck Institute for Human Development argue that we are in a closed loop: Humans train AI > AI develops linguistic traits > Humans pick up on traits > Humans train AI.
Their research, which assessed 7.35 billion words of human speech, links the launch of ChatGPT to shifts in how frequent words are used.
The use of the word 'delve' went up by 48%, while 'adept' rose 51%.
Most (58%) of these were in unscripted settings, which suggests an internalisation of the language.
Not all language is impacted, the words that spread are ones that make people sound 'smarter'.
Science & Technology, Business and Education were the first areas impacted; those with a high cognitive load, high exposure to LLM outputs and where a high value is placed on articulate, clean, and formal language.
As AI reaches around the world, we are likely to see the homogenisation of our language, something already started by the availability of the internet, media, and movies.
The language shift appeared within months, which implies humans copy AI faster than AI copied us. Interestingly we continue to use the words, even after ChatGPT has moved onto another model and different words.
The spread of the impact is beyond those who used ChatGPT, due to the normalisation in conversations.
SOURCE
Paper: https://arxiv.org/pdf/2409.01754
BESCI OPINION
This reminds me of some great research done by the Daniel Openheimer at UCLA on language. His paper, is sarcastically called, "Consequences of Erudite Vernacular Utilized Irrespective
of Necessity: Problems with Using Long Words Needlessly"
Highlighted that when you use long, or complex language humans read that as being your need to sound more intelligent, more important and hide behind long words.
It sets off an internal warning that you are hiding something.
Simple, plain language, which gives clarity is much more respected, which benefits those who can simplify.
Keep It Simple.
Paper: https://cahill.people.unm.edu/480-21/Oppenheimer-2006-Applied_Cognitive_Psychology.pdf
