Em Dash Overload: AI’s Grammar Obsession and How to Fight Back
Artificial Intelligence
AI
Writing
Communication
Em Dashes
Generative AI
Content Creation
8
Stylistic Safeguard
Media Hype
6/10
Real Impact
8/10
What is the Viqus Verdict?
We evaluate each news story based on its real impact versus its media hype to offer a clear and objective perspective.
AI Analysis:
The article taps into a genuinely growing concern around AI’s impact on creative expression and human voice, generating moderate hype due to the relatable, humorous tone. The real impact lies in forcing a discussion about the boundaries of AI-assisted writing, a critical area for professional communication.””
Article Summary
The article tackles a surprisingly specific and increasingly relevant issue: AI’s unsettling obsession with the em dash. While AI tools are undeniably valuable for polishing and refining written content, the piece argues that many currently rely on over-application of this punctuation mark, leading to text that feels strangely detached and excessively formal. The author uses a humorous, relatable analogy – comparing AI’s dash usage to a ‘Gen Z obsession with Y2K fashion’ – to illustrate this concern. It’s not just the dashes themselves, but the broader pattern of AI attempting to ‘fix’ a human’s voice with a level of polish that often feels artificial. The piece provides three key strategies for mitigating this issue: always write a first draft yourself, strip out any excessive AI suggestions (particularly the em dashes), and then add a personal touch—slang, quirks, and a genuine human voice. The article’s tone is conversational and actionable, offering practical tips for professionals who want to harness AI’s power without sacrificing their own communication style.Key Points
- Always write a first draft yourself to retain a unique voice and avoid overly polished prose.
- Critically evaluate AI-generated suggestions, particularly the overuse of em dashes, and actively ‘strip them out’ to restore a natural tone.
- Add a personal touch—slang, quirks, and a genuine human voice—to ensure your communication feels authentic and relatable.