How AI Will Affect The Future of Language

Don’t get mad, but I am going to start this blog with the most overused statement in the marketing industry, and you will probably roll your eyes. But hey, I’m new here, so I feel as though I can get away with it. AI is changing LITERALLY everything. It's sparking debates, dinner table conversation, becoming a part of our work days, and even being used within our own homes. We discussed this as a team a week or so ago, and it got us thinking, will AI change the way we speak and learn language?

What initially sparked this idea was an article from Microsoft Design about the em dash conspiracy. As a culture surrounded by a million AI tools, we have collectively decided that the em dash ‘is tacky, and we hate it’ (School of Rock quote. IYKYK). If you don’t know about the em dash conspiracy, let me give you a little background. The em dash has become a punctuation mark that has somehow been classified similarly to how my sister’s dog trainer diagnosed her dog's behavioral issues…“overly suspicious”. Why? Seeing an em dash is thought to be a key indicator that you used ChatGPT or a similar AI tool to write your content.

However, did you know that the em dash dates back to the 1400s and is even linked to famous writers such as Emily Dickinson, Kurt Vonnegut, Vladimir Nabokov, and James Joyce? All writers who were most definitely not using ChatGPT and thought the em dash was, in fact, not tacky.

ChatGPT Favorites and Their Effect on Language

Since ChatGPT seems to favor the em dash, it got us thinking ... what else does it favor, and could this affect the way we speak and learn language? According to a study from 2024, the words “tapestry”, “delve”, and “testament” have seen a massive increase in written content. In fact, the word “delve” was used in 0.5% of all articles on the research site, PubMed. In 2022, that figure was less than 0.1%. This is due to the launch of ChatGPT in 2022 and the tool deciding it would favor this word. As we use more and more AI tools, will these AI-favored words become a part of our day-to-day dialect? 

While we want to say (and hope) no, it is extremely likely that these tools will, in fact, affect the way we speak and use language. However, we’ve constantly adapted new phrases and jargon based on the people we talk to and the content we consume on a daily basis. Think about it, we have all heard—and often adopted—lingo and slang terms, whether it's from social media, videos, reading, or in conversation. In case you’re completely “delulu,” I “delved” into the latest and greatest slang. Do you hate me yet?

What the Future Holds

The point is, AI will most definitely change the way we use language and communicate with one another. But here’s the thing: we’ve always evolved our language based on the tools we use, the people we talk to, and the content we consume. This isn't new. What’s new is the speed and scale at which AI can potentially influence those shifts. As we navigate this AI-driven evolution of language, let’s keep a few things in mind:

• Teach the next generation about AI, but don’t let them become dependent on it. Foundational skills like critical thinking, grammar, vocabulary, and spelling still matter.

• AI may sound human, but it isn’t. Understanding its limitations is just as important as using its capabilities.

• Learn to recognize AI-written content. The more familiar we become with its patterns, the better equipped we’ll be to critically assess what we read. Spotting AI-written content goes well beyond the em dash. 

• Language is fluid. It’s always been shaped by culture, context, and innovation.

• Consume content with a grain of salt. Whether written by a person or a machine, always bring your judgment to the table.

While we are living in a time where change is constant and these tools make our lives easier, it’s important to remember that language is, and always has been, a reflection of the culture using it. AI may shape the words we use, but it’s still people who give those words meaning. As we move forward into this AI-driven future, let’s embrace the evolution of language without losing sight of the human connection that makes it matter. Periodt.

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About the Author

Shannon Shearer is a Paid Media Specialist with almost 10 years of marketing experience. Shannon combines strategic and creative thinking along with technical expertise to craft and execute high-performing digital ad campaigns.

About the Editor

Shelly Cihan is Founder and Lead Strategist at Rooted Rock Marketing. For over a decade she has dedicated her professional career to learning, executing, and speaking about SEO and Digital marketing.