Florida State University Assistant Professor of Computational Linguistics Tom Juzek has been studying the influence of ChatGPT on modern language. Earlier this year, Juzek contributed to research that identified why ChatGPT tends to overuse certain words. His latest project focuses on how the chatbot may be affecting the way people speak.
Juzek and his team analyzed popular tech industry podcasts, comparing language used before and after ChatGPT’s release. They observed a noticeable increase in AI-related buzzwords such as “surpass,” “meticulous,” “strategically,” and “intricate.” The frequency of these terms rose significantly, while similar synonyms showed little change.
“The buzzwords saw a significant shift between pre- and post-Chat GPT release, and the synonyms didn’t,” Juzek said. “The synonyms moved very little. It was quite a shift for such a short period of time when it comes to changes in spoken language.”
Juzek works within FSU’s Department of Modern Languages and Linguistics in the College of Arts and Sciences. His research involves using computational methods to study linguistic questions, with an emphasis on AI-generated language features, their impact on human usage, and factors that drive model behavior.
He noted that studies examining AI’s effect on language are still at an early stage. “These models have some clear upsides and are genuinely useful tools, but open questions exist about unintended negative consequences for beliefs and behavior,” he said. “With AI, it is premature to claim causation. Our current results are correlational. Next comes careful testing to see what is truly changing and why.”
Juzek also pointed out similarities between the effects of AI technology and social media on society: both offer benefits as well as documented harms over time. “Social media taught us that both can be true, but that good causal research takes time,” he added.
Juzek is available to discuss recent findings about AI-related word choices in speech, the broader implications for language use, technical aspects behind word overuse by models, conditions faced by global annotation workers involved in content moderation, and trends shaping industry discourse.
Media representatives interested in learning more about Juzek’s work can contact him at tjuzek@fsu.edu.
