As a communications professional, I’ve been in a bit of denial about the impact of AI, especially tools like ChatGPT, on my industry. My work revolves around developing communication strategies, change communication strategies, writing newsletters and reports, and all the things that AI now claims to do effortlessly.
But let’s be real — the job market has become increasingly challenging across industries, and AI is impacting many of us. The question isn’t whether I can ignore it, it’s whether I let it replace me or learn to work with it.
So, I’ve decided to dive in and test some of these platforms to see if I can understand it better. I don’t have all the answers yet, but here are some initial thoughts, specifically on ChatGPT.
ChatGPT: Spotting AI-generated writing
A friend recently told me, “I can always tell when someone has used ChatGPT —em dashes, ‘fostering,’ certain phrasing… there are telltale signs.”
In most cases, I agree. Patterns like em dashes are one clue, but they aren’t enough on their own. That raises an interesting question: Do we really need to identify AI-generated content?
For some, the answer is no. If the content is useful, clear, and engaging, they don’t mind how it was created. But for those of us who write, communicate, or create content, understanding these patterns can sharpen our skills. One such pattern — ChatGPT’s frequent use of em dashes — reveals how punctuation plays a crucial role in both identifying AI content and improving writing clarity.
The em dash vs. en dash: Understanding the difference
ChatGPT’s use of em dashes is largely a stylistic choice, mimicking natural pauses and conversational tone. Beyond ChatGPT’s use thereof, both the em dash and en dash serve distinct grammatical purposes:
- Em dash (—): This versatile, slightly wider in length punctuation mark, can replace the use of a comma, parenthesis, or colon. It’s often used to set off additional information or to indicate a break in thought.1,3,4 For example:
“I had planned to finish my blog—until my laptop decided to freeze mid-save.”
- En dash (–): Slightly shorter than the em dash, the en dash is primarily used to indicate ranges (e.g., “July–September”) or connections between words, especially when one element is compound.1,3,4 For example:
“My Cape Town–Johannesburg flight was delayed.”
Different writing styles apply the en dash and em dash in distinct ways. American English often prefers the em dash—typically without spaces—to separate clauses or add emphasis, whereas some formal UK writing styles use a spaced en dash – fulfilling a similar role.1,3,4 However, some UK publications, like the Oxford University Style guide, also use the unspaced em dash, making its usage dependent on context and house style.7
It’s important to remember that not all unspaced em dashes are an immediate sign of AI-generated content. Many writers have long used em dashes intentionally for style, emphasis, or flow.
Where AI still needs oversight:
The real risk isn’t just that AI might replace us, it’s that we rely on it without questioning the content it produces. While tools like ChatGPT can produce convincing content, they lack the ability to apply judgment, context, and critical thinking — all essential for credible, accurate writing.
AI doesn’t “know” facts, it generates text based on patterns in data it has been trained on. That means:
- It doesn’t always cite sources.2 While AI models like ChatGPT can pull from vast datasets, they don’t automatically provide reliable references unless specifically prompted to do so. Even when they do, these sources may be fabricated or misattributed.
- It can confidently generate incorrect information.5 AI tools are designed to produce text that sounds correct, even when the information is false or misleading.
- It lacks human judgment on what’s relevant or credible.6 AI can mimic expert language but cannot assess the context or credibility of the information it generates. Identifying credible information requires human insight and the ability to evaluate sources critically.
Beyond data accuracy, there’s also the issue of data security and client confidentiality. While exploring AI tools, we need to be mindful of the data we are sharing. Many organisations (rightly so) have strict policies against feeding sensitive information into AI platforms due to privacy risks or potential contract breaches. The reality is that AI data practices are still evolving, staying informed and ensuring responsible use of AI is just as important as mastering its capabilities.
Conclusion
So, will AI replace me? If I let it, yes! AI can generate excellent content, but it doesn’t think critically, question assumptions, or grasp context the way people do. Creativity, nuance, and strategy? That’s where human expertise wins.
Exploring AI tools is forcing me to rethink parts of my own writing style and I am learning that the key isn’t to compete with AI; it’s to use it as a tool, refine my skills, and stay ahead of the machine.
Let me know, do you think AI will replace you?
Sources:
- Grammarly. (2024) Hyphens and dashes: Know the difference. Available at: https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/hyphens-and-dashes/ [Accessed March 2025].
- LexisNexis. (2023) Misinformation in artificial intelligence: What professionals should know. Available at: https://www.lexisnexis.com/community/insights/professional/b/industry-insights/posts/misinformation-in-artificial-intelligence-?srsltid=AfmBOorHcxQCFyY0ckkBPjocVOxjfuJzuwb2LFJ28G3E3YChnZaodt9S [Accessed March 2025].
- Merriam-Webster. (n.d.) Em dash vs. en dash: How to use them properly. Available at: https://www.merriam-webster.com/grammar/em-dash-en-dash-how-to-use [Accessed March 2025].
- Proofed. (2023) En dashes and em dashes in US and UK English. Available at: https://proofed.co.uk/writing-tips/en-dashes-and-em-dashes-in-us-and-uk-english/ [Accessed March 2025].
- TechTarget. (2024) Steps in fact-checking AI-generated content. Available at: https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/feature/Steps-in-fact-checking-AI-generated-content [Accessed March 2025].
- University of Maryland Libraries. (2024) Evaluating sources and fact-checking AI-generated content. Available at: https://lib.guides.umd.edu/c.php?g=1340355&p=9880574 [Accessed March 2025].
- University of Oxford. (n.d.) University of Oxford Style Guide. Available at: https://www.ox.ac.uk/sites/files/oxford/media_wysiwyg/University%20of%20Oxford%20Style%20Guide.pdf [Accessed March 2025].
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