Simon Späti argues that AI-generated writing often results in prose that appears polished at first glance but becomes repetitive, unnatural, and "bloated" over time. He notes that while AI can be useful for brainstorming or organizing notes, writing intended for human consumption should retain a "soul" and human character.
The Challenge of AI-Generated Writing and the Verification of Human Skill
A significant challenge raised is the ability to verify true writing proficiency. For those starting to write in the current era, it is becoming increasingly difficult for readers to discern whether a writer possesses genuine skill or is relying on AI, unless the writer has a documented history of work produced before the widespread adoption of AI.
Data from a Chrome extension suggests that AI content is highly concentrated on platforms like LinkedIn and Medium, while levels remain lower on platforms such as Substack and Reddit.
Sources
- If you start writing today, there's no way to know if you can write without AI （Hacker News Frontpage, 2026-09-22）