ChatGPT’s Impact on Real-Life Communication: Insights from FSU Researchers

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August 26, 2025

Is AI Changing How we Talk? New Study Reveals Surprising Linguistic Shift

researchers are investigating the impact of AI on human language patterns.

The widespread adoption of Artificial Intelligence Chatbots, such as ChatGPT, is not only transforming industries but also subtly reshaping the very way people communicate.A groundbreaking study from Florida State University indicates that the vocabulary choices of individuals are increasingly mirroring the language patterns commonly used by these AI systems.

The Rise of AI-Influenced Language

Researchers from the departments of Modern Languages and Linguistics, Computer Science, and Mathematics at Florida State University examined over 22.1 million words extracted from unscripted conversations,specifically science and technology podcasts. Their findings, recently accepted for presentation at the eighth Conference on AI, Ethics, and Society, reveal a noticeable uptick in the usage of words frequently employed by Large Language Models (LLMs).The study, titled “Model Misalignment and Language Change: Traces of AI-Associated Language in Unscripted Spoken English,” is the first peer-reviewed analysis of it’s kind.

The increase in certain words isn’t entirely new; events like the emergence of the Omicron variant previously caused vocabulary shifts. However, the current trend differs. Researchers observed a surge in words like “delve” and “intricate,” particularly in educational and academic contexts. This increase coincides with the proliferation of LLMs, like ChatGPT, known for their frequent use of such terminology.

Specific Words Showing Increased Usage

The research team identified several words that experienced notable increases in usage following the release of ChatGPT in 2022. These include “surpass,” “boast,” “meticulous,” “strategically,” and “garner.” Notably,almost three-quarters of these words-frequently enough reserved for formal settings-demonstrated increased usage,with some seeing frequency levels more than double.

Interestingly, the researchers discovered a pattern where the AI-associated terms were favored over their synonyms.For instance, “underscore” saw increased adoption, while its counterpart, “accentuate,” remained relatively stable, suggesting a direct influence and not merely a broader trend.

Word	Usage Increase (Post-ChatGPT)
Delve	Significant Increase
Intricate	Significant increase
Surpass	Considerable Increase
Boast	Considerable Increase
Meticulous	Considerable Increase

Did You Know? According to pew Research Center, over half of adults under 30 and nearly half of those aged 30-49 have used ChatGPT.

Implications and Future Research

“This research underscores the importance of understanding how AI is not just a tool we use, but a force that perhaps reshapes the foundations of human communication,” stated a lead researcher of the study. “Language is powerful, and its evolution in response to AI raises ethical questions about potential biases and influences.”

The team believes that further inquiry is required to determine if AI is amplifying existing language trends or actively driving new ones. prior work by the group even explored similar effects on scientific writing, showing large-scale structural changes linked to AI influence.

Do you find yourself using language that sounds… a little too formal or ‘AI-like’? How do you think AI will continue to shape communication in the future?

The Growing Influence of AI on Communication

The integration of AI into daily life is accelerating, with advancements in Natural Language Processing (NLP) powering everything from virtual assistants to automated content creation. As AI becomes more sophisticated, its influence on human language will likely deepen. Understanding this dynamic is crucial for maintaining clarity, authenticity, and critical thinking in a world increasingly mediated by algorithms. The evolution of language reflects cultural shifts, and the current shift is being driven by technology.

Frequently Asked Questions about AI and Language

• What is an AI “buzzword”? An AI buzzword is a term frequently used by Large Language Models, often sounding formal or overly complex in typical conversation.
• How does AI influence human language? By exposing users to specific language patterns, AI can subtly encourage those patterns to appear in human speech and writing.
• Is this a negative development? The impact is still being studied, but concerns exist about potential standardization of language and the amplification of AI biases.
• What were the key findings of the FSU study? Researchers found a measurable increase in the use of AI-associated words in spoken language after the release of ChatGPT.
• What is model Misalignment? Model misalignment refers to the difference in behavior between what humans expect from an AI and how the AI actually behaves.

Share your thoughts! Have you noticed a change in your own language use? Let us know in the comments below.

Is the increased politeness suggested by ChatGPT in conversations potentially masking a decline in genuine emotional connection and authenticity?

The Shifting landscape of Human Interaction

Florida State University (FSU) researchers have been at the forefront of studying the burgeoning influence of large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT on how we communicate. Their findings, published in several peer-reviewed journals throughout 2024 and early 2025, reveal a complex interplay between AI assistance and genuine human connection. This article delves into these insights, exploring how ChatGPT is reshaping interpersonal communication, professional interactions, and even our internal thought processes. We’ll cover everything from the nuances of AI-assisted communication to the potential pitfalls of over-reliance on these tools.

How ChatGPT Alters Conversational Dynamics

FSU’s communication studies department conducted a series of experiments focusing on dyadic conversations – interactions between two people. The results consistently showed that the introduction of ChatGPT, even as a silent observer providing suggestions to one participant, substantially altered the flow and quality of dialogue.

Reduced Spontaneity: Participants relying on ChatGPT prompts exhibited less spontaneous language and a tendency towards more formulaic responses. this impacts natural language processing in real-time interactions.

Increased Politeness (and potential Insincerity): The AI often suggested more polite phrasing, leading to conversations perceived as superficially more agreeable but lacking genuine emotional depth.Researchers noted a correlation with decreased authenticity.

Shift in Power Dynamics: the participant with access to ChatGPT often subtly dominated the conversation, steering it towards topics the AI was better equipped to handle. This raises concerns about AI influence in social settings.

Impact on Nonverbal Cues: While the study primarily focused on verbal communication, researchers observed that participants using ChatGPT were less attentive to nonverbal cues from their conversation partner, potentially hindering empathy and understanding.

ChatGPT in Professional Settings: Efficiency vs. Authenticity

The professional world is rapidly adopting ChatGPT for tasks like email drafting, report writing, and customer service. FSU’s business school researchers examined the impact of this integration.

Email Communication: Analysis of over 10,000 professionally written emails revealed a noticeable increase in the use of standardized phrases and a decrease in personalized language as the widespread adoption of ChatGPT.While efficiency improved, recipients reported a feeling of detachment.

Customer Service Interactions: While ChatGPT-powered chatbots can handle a high volume of inquiries, FSU researchers found that customers consistently rated interactions with human agents as more satisfying, even when the human agent took longer to resolve the issue. The key differentiator was perceived empathy and understanding. AI chatbots are improving, but still lack crucial human elements.

Internal Team Communication: Teams utilizing ChatGPT for brainstorming and project updates reported increased productivity but also a decline in spontaneous idea generation and collaborative problem-solving. The AI tended to favor established solutions over novel approaches.

The Rise of “AI-Assisted” Roles: New job descriptions are emerging that specifically require proficiency in prompting and editing AI-generated content.This highlights a shift in skill requirements within the workforce.

The psychological Effects of AI-Mediated Communication

Beyond observable changes in conversational patterns, FSU’s psychology department investigated the psychological effects of relying on ChatGPT for communication.

Cognitive Offloading: Researchers found that frequent users of ChatGPT experienced a degree of “cognitive offloading,” becoming less reliant on their own memory and language skills. This raises concerns about long-term cognitive health.

Decreased Empathy: Studies suggest a potential link between frequent AI-mediated communication and a decline in empathy. The lack of genuine emotional exchange may desensitize individuals to the feelings of others.

Increased Social Anxiety: Paradoxically,some individuals reported increased social anxiety when anticipating real-life conversations,fearing they wouldn’t be able to articulate their thoughts as effectively as ChatGPT.

The “AI Persona” Effect: Individuals who heavily rely on ChatGPT for crafting their online persona may develop a disconnect between their authentic self and their projected image.

Navigating the Future of Communication: Practical Tips

While the implications of ChatGPT are still unfolding, FSU researchers offer several recommendations for navigating this evolving landscape:

1. Mindful Usage: Be conscious of when and how you’re using ChatGPT. Avoid relying on it for tasks that require genuine emotional connection or creative thinking.
2. Prioritize human Interaction: Make a intentional effort to engage in face-to-face conversations and cultivate meaningful relationships.
3. Develop Critical Thinking Skills: Don’t blindly accept AI-generated content. Evaluate its accuracy, relevance, and potential biases.
4. Focus on Active Listening: Pay attention to nonverbal cues and demonstrate genuine empathy in your interactions.
5. Embrace Authenticity: Strive to express your thoughts and feelings in your own voice, rather than relying on AI-generated phrasing. Authentic communication remains vital.

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