I Can Spot AI Writing Instantly — Here’s How You Can Too

Summary

In this video, Evan Edinger takes viewers through a master class on how to spot AI-generated writing in 2025. Through a detailed analysis of comments, social media posts, and personal anecdotes, Evan reveals 10 red flags of AI writing, such as excessive use of M dashes, vague praise, and odd analogies. He emphasizes the importance of human-like qualities in writing, such as personal stories, tangents, and imperfect grammar. By the end, viewers are equipped with the tools to distinguish between AI and human content, with Evan challenging them to apply their new skills in recognizing AI in videos.

Takeaways

• 😀 AI writing is becoming more pervasive, and it's essential to recognize it in 2025.
• 😀 The overuse of M dashes is a common red flag of AI-generated writing.
• 😀 Parallel sentence structures like 'It's not just X, it's Y' are frequent in AI content.
• 😀 AI writing often features lists of three things, as humans naturally prefer odd-numbered groups.
• 😀 The 'uncanny valley' effect refers to AI's use of strange or slightly off-wording that feels unnatural.
• 😀 Empty and vague language, such as 'practical solutions' or 'innovative ideas,' is a hallmark of AI writing.
• 😀 AI content often lacks personal anecdotes or unique human experiences, resulting in a generic tone.
• 😀 Analogies and metaphors in AI writing can feel forced and overly complicated, lacking real meaning.
• 😀 AI content tends to be overly repetitive, providing excessive clarification and unnecessary context.
• 😀 The human touch in writing often comes from personal experiences, tangents, and a conversational tone.
• 😀 The best way to detect AI writing is to trust your instincts, as AI lacks the genuine nuance and feeling of human expression.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Evan Edinger's video?

The main focus of Evan Edinger's video is teaching viewers how to identify writing that is generated by AI, particularly in the context of comments and online posts. He aims to equip viewers with skills to detect AI-written content in 2025.

What is one of the most noticeable red flags in AI-written text?

One of the most noticeable red flags in AI-written text is the frequent use of M dashes. AI often uses M dashes more than humans do, even when it is not necessary.

Why does Evan Edinger mention the use of M dashes in his video?

Evan mentions the use of M dashes because they are overused by AI, despite being an uncommon punctuation mark in regular human writing. He uses it as a tool to teach how to spot AI-generated content.

What other common red flags does Evan identify in AI-generated content?

Other red flags include parallel sentence structures like 'It's not just X, it's Y,' the use of groups of three items, vague or overused positive adjectives, filler words, and an uncanny valley in word use that feels unnatural or awkward.

What is the 'uncanny valley of the English language' as described by Evan?

The 'uncanny valley of the English language' refers to the feeling that something written by AI doesn't quite sound right. The tone can be strange or unnatural, making the writing feel off even though it is technically correct.

How does AI often handle analogies and similes in writing?

AI tends to use awkward or forced analogies and similes that feel unnatural. While they may be trying to add meaning, they often fall flat, making the writing seem inauthentic.

What is a specific example of AI's tendency to repeat itself?

A specific example of AI repeating itself is when it provides unnecessary clarifications or restates points multiple times. For instance, if asked why the sky is blue, AI would offer an excessive preamble before answering the question.

What does Evan suggest about the difference between human and AI writing?

Evan suggests that human writing often includes personal anecdotes, opinions, and stories, whereas AI writing tends to be more generic and impersonal. Human writing tends to feel more original and authentic because it reflects the writer's unique perspective.

How does Evan Edinger recommend spotting human-written content?

Evan recommends looking for personal stories, unique experiences, and the use of first-person perspectives, such as 'I' or 'as a northerner.' He also points out that humans are more likely to go off on tangents and make connections between different ideas, which AI struggles with.

What is the significance of 'passing the vibe check' in identifying AI writing?

Passing the vibe check refers to trusting your gut feeling when something feels fake or inauthentic. If content feels like it was generated by AI, it often lacks the human touch and fails to connect emotionally in the same way a human writer would.