Gen Z Is Calling Em Dashes “ChatGPT Hyphens” & People Are Mad
The em dash has long been a favorite punctuation mark of writers everywhere. This lengthier dash can replace a comma or a colon. It’s also sometimes used to sum up info at the end of the sentence, to encase parenthetical info within a sentence, or to emphasize a point. To know an em dash is to love it, but according to Gen Z, it’s often a dead giveaway that someone’s writing came straight from ChatGPT.
ChatGPT Hyphen Phenomenon
This so-called “ChatGPT hyphen” is getting a lot of attention at the moment, according to podcaster Daisy Reed, who spoke about it in a recent episode of the LuxeGen podcast alongside co-host Sapna Rao. The hosts discussed the prevalence of em dashes, now dubbed as "ChatGPT hyphens," especially in the context of social media posts containing an abundance of these dashes.
Em Dash Usage
According to the hosts, em dashes traditionally include a space on either side, as per standards like AP style. While the use of spaces with em dashes is not mandatory, the absence of spaces, as noted by Reed, can be indicative of text generated by AI models like ChatGPT, leading to speculation about the authenticity of the content.
The Debate
The discussion delved further into the implications of relying on AI tools for writing, with suggestions on how to maintain originality in content creation. While acknowledging the utility of such tools, the hosts advised caution to ensure that the content retains a personal touch and does not solely rely on automated assistance.
Despite the practical advice provided, social media users expressed mixed reactions to the renaming of em dashes as "ChatGPT hyphens." The online discourse highlighted the evolving landscape of writing practices influenced by AI technologies and their impact on language conventions.
Conclusion
As the debate ensues over the evolving terminology and writing styles attributed to AI-influenced content creation, the significance of maintaining individuality in writing remains a key consideration for writers across various platforms.
