AI generated writing is everywhere, whether you are aware of it or not.
A new study from Stanford University and the University of Washington titled "The Widespread Adoption of Large Language Model-Assisted Writing Across Society" analyzed millions of documents and found just how pervasive AI-generated writing has already become:
- 24% of corporate press releases are AI-assisted
- Up to 15% of job postings contain AI-generated content, especially from smaller companies
- 18% of financial consumer complaints show signs of AI use
- 14% of UN press releases are AI-generated or modified
According to the report, the use of AI in writing surged after ChatGPT launched in late 2022, leveling off in 2023. However, with AI capabilities advancing rapidly in 2025, I imagine adoption is likely rising dramatically again.
Companies, institutions, and government agencies are using AI to create efficiencies that speed up content creation and can even improve clarity. Yet, with increased efficiencies, there is likely a cost.
When everyone is using the same tools, everything starts to sound the same. The word choice, the phrasing, the cadences start to feel robotic and there is a risk of individuals and brands losing their personal voice.
The Risk: AI Can Make You Blend In
While this may be okay for information sharing, this is the worst thing possible when it comes to using writing as a means for branding, marketing, and more generally... standing out.
Historically, things like press releases and brand messaging have been drafted by the most skilled writers. Now, with AI able to do a lot of the heavy lifting, it makes it easy for writers to default to its outputs—or for non-writers to start generating polished and professional sounding content.
The catch? Writing loses its individuality.
- AI has predictable structures and familiar phrasing.
- It can favor certain words, rhythms, and cadences. While it can smooth things out, it also strips away uniqueness and personality.
- As more people rely on AI, the more messaging sounds like everyone else.
Along with sounding the same, people are facing an uphill battle against AI-driven content. AI makes it easier than ever to generate content at scale. More content is being pumped out, not only by people using AI, but also by fully automated systems.
Now, we’re also competing with:
- Automated social accounts creating AI-generated posts
- SEO-driven content hubs designed to rank, not to resonate
- Engagement bots posting high-volume, low-effort content
With volume increasing, standing out is getting even harder.
As AI writing floods the internet, people who move the opposite direction will have an edge. Those who vocalize their own thinking and maintain their unique voice will break through.
Authenticity will be the differentiator.
How to Stay Authentic While Using AI to Your Advantage
AI is powerful and will only become more necessary to be competitive. It's important that you use AI to amplify your unique voice and stance, as there's a real risk it will dilute it. AI should enhance your thinking, not replace it.
Here's how to use AI in a way that keeps your authenticity intact:
- Use AI for Structure, Not Substance
- AI is great for brainstorming, organizing ideas, summarizing, and speeding up the writing process. But your insights should drive the piece.
- Once you've landed on the topic, be clear on your angle before letting AI refine it. Don’t fully outsource your thinking.
- A simple way to keep your voice and opinions? Have AI ask you questions for you to expand on your thinking.
- Instead of letting AI generate content for you: Use AI to challenge your thinking and clarify your stance.
- Write the First Draft Yourself
- While AI can help you plan and structure, you should write the first draft yourself to find and maintain your stance.
- If you rely on AI too soon, you risk letting it shape your POV instead of the other way around.
- Start with your own thoughts, then use AI to refine, expand, and clarify.
- Inject Your Own Perspective
- Today, AI pulls from existing data and doesn't create new ideas.
- Your originality is the differentiator. Share personal insights, experiences, or takes that AI wouldn't be able to generate.
- Ask yourself:
- What do I actually think about the topic?
- Does this communicate my unique point of view?
- Have I added something AI wouldn't know?
- Edit, Edit, Edit
- Rewrite sections in your personal tone and style.
- AI-generated content can lack depth. Add your perspective and personal stories where there isn't enough color.
- Cut anything that sounds generic or fluffy.
- Be Intentional With Word Choice
- Swap out overused words for more specific, original language.
- Add personality where it makes sense: humor, strong opinions, or unique phrasing.
- If a sentence sounds like it could have been written by anyone, rewrite it.
- Use AI to Challenge and Strengthen Your Thinking
- AI isn't just a writing assistant, it is a thinking tool.
- Have AI play devil's advocate, asking it to poke holes in your piece or offer ways to strengthen your perspective.
- Use AI as a research companion to surface deeper insights. Use "Deep Research" offerings to uncover data, trends, and historical content.
- While AI can push the ideas further, make sure you're the one making the final call on what to include/exclude.
AI is a Tool, You Are The Differentiator
AI makes writing easier, but that doesn’t mean it makes it better. For many, it will dilute their voice, flatten their thinking, and lead to more of the same.
If you want to stand out instead of blend in, be intentional. Use AI to complement your voice, not replace it. Let it sharpen your ideas, not create them.
The formula is simple:
- Use AI to assist, not lead.
- Write first, refine with AI later.
- Stay in control of your voice and perspective.
Want to stay ahead as AI reshapes writing and content creation?
I offer AI & Strategy Sprints to help you cut through AI-generated noise, maintain your voice, and integrate AI in a way that enhances your thinking.
DISCLAIMER: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute business, investment, legal, financial, or tax advice. Readers should conduct their own research and consult with professional advisors before making business decisions.
