AI writing usage grows significantly across online platforms

A study from Stanford University has found that artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly used in online writing. The research scanned over 300 million documents and discovered that AI-assisted writing was present in many types of content. For instance, 24% of corporate press releases, 18% of financial complaints, 15% of job listings, and 14% of UN press releases were generated with AI. The study, led by Weixin Liang, highlights a significant change in how businesses and organizations communicate. The popularity of AI writing tools has surged since the launch of ChatGPT in late 2022. Smaller companies are using AI for job postings more than larger firms, with AI-generated job ads hitting 15% at these younger companies. Liang emphasized that while AI can improve efficiency, it also raises concerns about the authenticity of communications. If many messages are generated by AI, people may begin to question who actually wrote them. There is a risk that over-reliance on AI could lead to content that feels generic or template-based, making it difficult for companies to stand out. AI writing shows promise by helping individuals better express themselves, especially for non-native speakers. However, it also brings complications. For example, job seekers may find it hard to distinguish real job opportunities from those created by algorithms. There are concerns about "model collapse," where future AI tools are trained primarily on AI-generated content, potentially lowering the quality and reliability of the information. As AI tools become more common, researchers and policymakers are increasingly focused on long-term effects. They recognize the need for regulations to balance efficiency with authenticity in communications. The research team plans to continue studying AI's impact on financial communication and decision-making, recognizing that AI writing is changing the landscape of communication significantly.