TL;DR
An individual recounts noticing that frequent use of AI changed how they speak to people, adopting a prompt-like structure in live conversation. Friends reacted with mixed responses, prompting reflection on whether human conversation is being shaped by interactions with language models.
What happened
After finishing a semester exam, the author met an old friend and began explaining a concept for the test. Midway through the explanation the friend interrupted, observing that the author's speech had become unusually structured and restrictive of back-and-forth questions. The author realized their verbal approach now resembled how they craft prompts for large language models: starting with a definition, followed by descriptions, anticipated follow-up questions, and edge cases. This shift was not deliberate; the author had come to view the prompt-style format as a more efficient way to convey complete context in one pass. Reactions from listeners have varied — some complain about receiving what feel like mini-lectures, while others appreciate the fuller, immediate picture. The experience led the author to question whether training AI to mimic human dialogue is, in turn, altering how humans communicate.
Why it matters
- Adapting a prompt-like structure could change conversational norms, reducing spontaneous back-and-forth.
- Delivering fuller context in one turn may improve clarity for some listeners while alienating others who prefer interactive exchange.
- If common, this habit could alter interpersonal dynamics, including teaching and informal explanations.
- The example raises questions about reciprocal influence between AI design and human behavior.
Key facts
- The author had just completed an end-of-semester exam when the interaction occurred.
- They ran into an old friend and started explaining a concept related to the test.
- The friend interrupted and noted the author's speech had become more structured and less conducive to follow-up questions.
- The author recognized their conversational pattern mirrored prompt engineering for language models.
- Typical order used: definition, descriptions, predicted follow-up questions, then edge cases.
- The change in speaking style was unintentional according to the author.
- Listener reactions were mixed: some complained about mini-lectures while others valued the fuller explanation.
- The author reflected on whether training AI to be more human may be making human speech more like prompts.
What to watch next
- not confirmed in the source: whether this pattern appears broadly across different populations and contexts.
- not confirmed in the source: any empirical studies linking frequent AI use to measurable changes in spoken conversational style.
- not confirmed in the source: practical strategies or interventions to reverse or adapt this habit if undesired.
Quick glossary
- Prompt engineering: The practice of designing inputs to guide a language model toward producing desired outputs.
- Large language model (LLM): A type of AI trained on large amounts of text to generate or complete language-based tasks.
- Edge case: An uncommon situation or example that falls outside typical conditions and may require special handling.
- Structured communication: A style of speaking or writing that follows a clear, often predetermined order to present information.
- Follow-up question: An additional query asked to clarify, expand, or probe deeper after an initial explanation.
Reader FAQ
Was the change in speaking intentional?
No — the author reports the shift to prompt-like speech was not deliberate.
Does the author believe AI use caused the change?
The author thinks frequent AI use influenced their speaking style, but broader causation is not established in the source.
How did people react to the new style?
Reactions were mixed: some listeners complained about mini-lectures, others appreciated the fuller context.
Is this a widespread social phenomenon?
not confirmed in the source
I just gave my final end semester exam a couple days ago when I bumped into an old friend and we got into talking and discussing some important topics for…
Sources
- Prompting People
- What happens when artificial intelligence quietly reshapes …
- From Hype to Habit: 11 Lessons from a Year of Using AI in My …
- How AI Works and How Users Think About It: Study Guide
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