How to Recognize GPT Generated Content: Spotting AI in Emails & Messages

Introduction

Have you ever received an email or a message that just feels off? It could be too well-structured, complete with bold text in random places, or formatted in a way that doesn't sound like the sender. If so, chances are—it was generated by ChatGPT or another AI tool.

AI-generated text is becoming more common in emails, documents, and business communications. But here's the problem: many people don't proofread or personalize the AI-generated content before hitting send. This leads to robotic, unnatural-sounding messages that scream, "They didn't write this!" and I did make that bold myself.

Let's examine how to spot AI-generated content, why it matters, and how to use AI properly without making it painfully obvious.

1. The Giveaways: How to Spot ChatGPT Content

AI-generated text follows predictable patterns. Here are some signs:

🔹 Weirdly placed bold text – AI loves to randomly bold words in the middle of a sentence, thinking it adds emphasis (but it just looks unnatural).

🔹 Overly structured paragraphs – If the message reads like a perfect essay or blog post rather than an informal conversation, it's a red flag.

🔹 Unnatural sentence phrasing – Phrases like "We must take action" sound robotic and scripted.

🔹 Too polished, yet impersonal – AI tends to over-explain and avoid contractions, making text feel distant.

🔹 Repeats itself or follows a predictable pattern – AI often restates the same point in multiple ways rather than offering real insights.

If an email sounds too perfect yet oddly disconnected from reality, it was probably generated by an AI.

2. The Problem with Blindly Using AI-Generated Content

Why does it matter if someone uses AI to write an email or message?

🚨 It lacks personality – AI-generated emails often feel cold, generic, and devoid of personal touch.

🚨 It can be misleading – If the sender didn't even read it before sending, they might not fully understand what was written.

🚨 It makes the sender seem lazy – If someone can't take the time to craft a meaningful email, why should the recipient take it seriously?

🚨 AI makes mistakes – AI hallucinates information. You could send incorrect or misleading information if you don't proofread.

3. How to Use AI Without Making It Obvious

AI is a great tool, but only if used correctly. Here's how to ensure AI-generated content still feels human:

✅ Always proofread before sending – Read it at least five times to ensure it says what you mean.

✅ Edit for tone and personality – Make sure it sounds like you and not a robot.

✅ Remove unnecessary bold text – Keep formatting clean and only emphasize what truly matters.

✅ Use contractions – AI tends to avoid them, making the text sound unnatural (e.g., "do not" → "don't").

✅ Check for repetition – If a point is made more than once in different ways, cut it down.

✅ Run it through Grammarly or Hemingway – These tools help refine AI-generated content for better readability.

The key is not to rely on AI unthinkingly. Use it as a starting point, but always review, refine, and add your own touch before sending.

4. Final Thoughts: AI Should Assist, Not Replace You

AI can be an incredible tool for brainstorming, summarizing, and improving efficiency, but it should never replace your own thinking and effort.

Before you send out that AI-generated email or document, ask yourself:

🧐 Does this sound like me?

🧐 Is the message clear and personal?

🧐 Have I proofread and edited it properly?

🧐 Was the content valid and does it need to hold water?

Remember: AI is here to help—but it's young so it's still up to you to ensure your communication is authentic, accurate, and meaningful.