AI has made content creation faster, but you’ve likely noticed two common problems with AI-generated content:
- It sounds unnatural or robotic.
- It lacks depth.
In this post, I’ll break down why this happens and share some simple tips to help your AI content feel more human.
Reasons Why AI Content Sounds Robotic or Unnatural
Here are 19 reasons:
1. Lack of a Conversational Tone
AI tends to write in a formal way. But readers prefer a conversational tone.
Example:
| AI: | “Our product is designed to help customers achieve their goals.” |
| Improved: | “Here’s how our product can help you.” |
2. Flowery Language
AI can get carried away with fancy words.
Example:
| AI: | “Embark on this incredible journey and discover a world of possibilities!” |
| Improved: | “Let’s dive in and explore what’s possible.” |
3. Unnecessary Introductions
AI often starts with long intros that don’t add value.
Example:
| AI: | “Before we dive into the details, it’s important to understand the broader context of this topic.” |
| Improved: | “Let’s jump straight into the details.” |
4. Use of Jargon
AI sometimes uses buzzwords that feel out of touch.
Example:
| AI: | “Leveraging synergies in the digital landscape is crucial.” |
| Improved: | “Working together online is key.” |
5. Passive Voice
AI often prefers passive voice over active voice, which can sound weak.
Example:
| AI: | “The report was written by the team.” |
| Improved: | “The team wrote the report.” |
6. Impersonal Writing
AI often doesn’t address the reader using “you” and “your,” making the text feel distant.
Example:
| AI: | “One must always be careful when handling sensitive data.” |
| Improved: | “You should always be careful with sensitive data.” |
7. Repetition
AI sometimes repeats ideas without adding value.
Example:
| AI: | “As mentioned earlier, data analysis is vital. Analyzing data is the key to gaining insights.” |
| Improved: | “Data analysis is key to gaining insights.” |
8. Overuse of Descriptive Language
Too many adjectives and adverbs can bog down the text.
Example:
| AI: | “This incredibly innovative and absolutely revolutionary product will change your life.” |
| Improved: | “This product will make a difference.” |
9. Cliché Phrases
AI tends to lean on overused phrases.
Example:
| AI: | “Embark on your journey and unlock your potential.” |
| Improved: | “Get started and see what you can achieve.” |
10. Lack of Subtlety
AI tends to take prompts literally, without much nuance.
Example:
| AI: | “This product is useful and good.” |
| Improved: | “This product can simplify your workflow and save time.” |
11. Redundant Phrasing
AI may repeat ideas unnecessarily.
Example:
| AI: | “The sky is blue, as everyone knows, because it reflects the ocean.” |
| Improved: | “The sky is blue.” |
12. Clunky Transitions
AI can struggle with smooth topic shifts.
Example:
| AI: | “First, let’s discuss productivity. Now, the weather is also important.” |
| Improved: | “First, let’s discuss productivity. Another factor is how your environment affects workflow.” |
13. Inconsistent Tone
AI sometimes switches between formal and casual tones in the same piece.
Example:
| AI: | “Our platform offers an innovative solution. You can use it whenever you want.” |
| Improved: | “Our platform offers a modern solution that fits seamlessly into your schedule.” |
14. Predictable Structure
AI can stick to a rigid structure, making the content feel flat.
Example:
| AI: | “First, define the problem. Second, create a solution. Finally, implement it.” |
| Improved: | “Start by identifying the problem. Then brainstorm solutions. Once you’ve got one, put it into action.” |
15. Repetitive Patterns
AI tends to reuse similar phrasing.
Example:
| AI: | “Unlock your potential. Embark on a journey. Discover new possibilities.” |
| Improved: | “Start exploring new ideas today and see where they take you.” |
16. Lack of Emotional Connection
AI struggles to create an emotional connection with readers.
Example:
| AI: | “Our product is helpful and well-designed.” |
| Improved: | “Our product makes your work easier, helping you feel more in control.” |
17. Misleading Information
AI can sometimes generate inaccurate or overly broad statements.
Example:
| AI: | “AI always produces content that is correct.” |
| Improved: | “AI can help with content creation, but you should always double-check for accuracy.” |
18. Vague Statements
Without specifics, AI-generated content can feel empty.
Example:
| AI: | “This tool helps people be more productive.” |
| Improved: | “This tool can save you two hours a day by automating repetitive tasks.” |
19. Weak Call to Action
AI often fails to give strong, clear directions at the end.
Example:
| AI: | “Consider using our product.” |
| Improved: | “Try our product today and see the difference for yourself.” |
How to Make AI Content Feel More Human
Prompt Example:
Write about how small businesses can use AI to automate social media tasks.
Rules:
- Write in a personable, conversational tone.
- Address the reader directly with "you" and "your."
- Use active voice; be concise and specific.
- Limit adjectives and adverbs; avoid dramatic or grandiose language.
- Provide concrete examples and smooth transitions.
- Keep the text accurate and fact-checked.
- Avoid filler, setup language, clichés, jargon, and the following words: ensure, vital, journey, embark, unleash, discover, indulge, crucial, unlock, unveil, look no further, elevate, enhance, landscape, navigate, game changer, stand out, stark, contrast. Why AI Content Lacks Depth
Sometimes AI-generated content feels generic because:
- Broad Training Data: AI is trained on a wide range of public information, most of which is general.
- No Expertise: AI isn’t a real expert. It pulls from existing content but doesn’t create new insights.
- Probability-Based Responses: AI guesses what words fit best, leading to safe but shallow results.
- Inaccuracy of Sources: AI can’t always tell good sources from bad ones.
- Lack of Critical Thinking: AI doesn’t think critically or analyze topics deeply.
Solutions for More Depth
To avoid generic outputs, try these strategies:
- Be Specific: The more detail you give in your prompt, the better the result.
Example: Instead of “Write about AI in business,” try: “Write about how small businesses can use AI tools to save time on social media.” - Provide Data: Include specific resources or case studies for AI to pull from.
Example: “Use examples from recent studies where AI helped businesses increase social media engagement.” - Use an Outline: Structure the content for the AI to follow so it stays on track.
Example: Provide key sections, like an intro, benefits, and examples.
Final Thoughts
By giving AI detailed instructions and guiding it with better prompts, you can create content that feels more human. AI can handle the bulk of the work, and with a few tweaks, you’ll have polished, engaging content.
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