Sounding Human Online: Tips for Non-Native English Speakers to Avoid the 'AI Tag'

The advent of AI-generated text has created a unique challenge for non-native English speakers: their carefully polished, grammatically correct, and logically structured writing is sometimes mistaken for AI output. While initially perceived as a compliment to their language skills, this accusation often suggests a lack of genuine human contribution, leading to frustration.

The Perils of Perfection

One common observation is that English that is "too excellent" can sound artificial. Many native English speakers are inconsistent with grammar, spelling, and sentence structure. Flawless text, therefore, can ironically trigger an AI flag. Embracing a certain level of natural imperfection, rather than striving for absolute grammatical purity, might help your writing sound more authentically human.

Speak Concretely, Avoid Vagueness

AI models are often characterized by their long-windedness and tendency to avoid taking specific stances, reminiscent of a politician speaking without substance. To differentiate your writing, focus on being concrete and to the point. Deliver specific information and express clear opinions, cutting through any unnecessary fluff or overly generic statements.

Infuse Natural Tone and Structure

Rigid organizational patterns, such as consistently following an intro-body-conclusion format or frequently using bulleted lists, can mimic the structured output of AI. Online communication often features a more fluid, conversational, and sometimes informal or even slightly sarcastic tone. Experimenting with these nuances can make your writing feel more authentic and less like a machine-generated report. Consider varying your sentence structure and paragraph length, and choose prose over lists when appropriate.

Substance Over Extreme Brevity

While conciseness is valued, extremely short contributions can sometimes lack perceived depth. Conversely, overly long and rambling text can also be mistaken for AI attempting to fill space. A general recommendation is to aim for contributions that are around 2-3 interesting sentences, providing enough substance to engage without becoming verbose or appearing too curt.