Gen Z has identified a unique way to determine if someone has used ChatGPT, a language model tool, by looking at the use of the em dash punctuation. The em dash is a versatile punctuation mark that can be used in various ways within a sentence. However, Gen Z has observed that a particular style of em dash usage, known as the “ChatGPT hyphen,” is a telltale sign that someone has used the language model tool.
The discussion around the “ChatGPT hyphen” gained attention online after podcasters Daisy Reed and Sapna Rao mentioned it in an episode of their LuxeGen podcast. A clip from the podcast went viral on social media, with users expressing surprise and amusement at the idea of the em dash being associated with ChatGPT. Reed highlighted an instance where the top comment on a social media post about a clothing brand’s rebrand mentioned the “ChatGPT hyphen,” suggesting that the use of em dashes in a particular way is becoming synonymous with the tool.
Rao humorously advised listeners to remove the hyphen if they want to avoid being accused of using ChatGPT, especially in academic settings where the use of the language model tool in essays may be frowned upon. She emphasized the importance of using one’s own words and cautioned against relying too heavily on ChatGPT for editing purposes. The hosts explained that the presence or absence of a space around an em dash can indicate whether ChatGPT was used, with AP Style requiring spaces before and after the em dash, while other style guides may omit the spacing.
The debate over the use of spaces around em dashes underscores the nuances of punctuation usage in different style guides. While some publications follow AP Style and incorporate spaces around em dashes, others, such as books and journals, prefer to omit the spacing. This discrepancy extends to online platforms like ChatGPT, where certain uses of the em dash may inadvertently reveal the tool’s influence. The emergence of the “ChatGPT hyphen” as a recognizable style element reflects Gen Z’s keen eye for linguistic trends and their ability to identify subtle markers of AI-generated language.
Reed and Rao’s discussion on the “ChatGPT hyphen” sheds light on the evolving relationship between language, technology, and style. As AI tools become more integrated into writing and editing processes, concerns about attribution, authenticity, and plagiarism are surfacing. The concept of the “ChatGPT hyphen” serves as a reminder that even seemingly innocuous punctuation choices can reveal underlying processes and influences in written content. In an era characterized by rapid technological advancements and shifting norms in communication, Gen Z’s scrutiny of language usage highlights the importance of understanding the impact of tools like ChatGPT on the way we write and communicate.
