How to recognize ChatGPT copy

In this AI and ChatGPT jungle, it becomes easier to recognize copy that's been written by them. Here are a few pointers that give it away. 

Please keep in mind this goes for the thought leadership pieces, where the author claims knowledge. Using ChatGPT to write all the content for you is quite inauthentic and feels rather fake. 

The eight elements to recognize ChatGPT copy. 

1. No real intro; immediate dive into the listicle

The structure of AI written copy is almost always the same. You do the prompt, and ChatGPT provides the answer. Without an intro, context sketching, or personal note on why it matters. 

2. Listicles or similar structure

Even if you remove the bullets, you recognize the listicle structure in the text. ChatGPT has a catalog-like way of giving information. 

3. The text feels generic

This makes sense, as ChatGPT is based on probability and predictability. ChatGPT provides more or less the same answer to prompts. There's no personality or identity. 

If you or I write the prompt, the answer is the same. However, if you to me write copy, it will be totally different. 

4. No first-person point of view

ChatGPT copy is always written in a neutral, second or third-person view. Yet, most writers write in the first-person view, lacing the copy with personal thoughts and feelings. 

Content, the power of a POV

5. No sources or credits

ChatGPT doesn't reveal its sources, nor can it give credits. So, if there are no references, you'll know enough. 

Any honest and upfront thought leader will always refer to their sources and give credit where credits are due. 

6. No bias or personality in the copy

As ChatGPT is unbiased, and that's also one of its strengths, the output lacks personality. As mentioned above, any good writer will tap into their own thoughts, feelings, and biased to write and share knowledge and insights. 

I often hear that I write in the same way as I speak. I'll take that as a compliment that, one, my writing is on par, and two, my writing is personal. 

7. Too clean copy

ChatGPT is quite a perfectionist when it comes to writing. No typos, no grammar flaws. It's like overusing Grammarly pro. Your copy becomes perfect in grammar and f*cking boring as hell. 

Another thing is that ChatGPT uses very long sentences with little to no variation between them. All sentences are more or less the same length. Any seasoned writer knows you have to vary. Between short and long. To keep some variation and tension in the copy. 

8. No consistency between the multiple posts 

Usually, there's consistency between posts by the same writer. You recognize a brand voice by the specific tone of voice and words used. 

If ChatGPT writes the copy for you, there's no identity. No identity means no consistency. 

Final words

ChatGPT is nothing short of amazing. However, if you let ChatGPT do the dirty work for you, in the long-term, your audience will notice you're cutting corners, and you're not authentic. 

Nothing wrong with using AI; you're even crazy if you don't embrace it. 

Yet, use ChatGPT as your wingman, for research, ideation, and improving your writing. Not to do all the work for you. 

Point taken. 

Inspiration for this blog ‘9 Things that make you sound like a ChatGPT bot’