The Rise of Large Language Models and the Problem of Verifying Human Writing

大型語言模型的興起與驗證人類寫作的問題


Introduction

The use of generative artificial intelligence in writing has caused a widespread problem: it is now very difficult to tell the difference between AI-generated text and writing created by humans.

在寫作中使用生成式人工智慧引起了一個普遍的問題:現在很難區分 AI 生成的文本與人類創作的寫作。

Main Body

Currently, there is a big difference between what people believe and the actual facts regarding AI detection. Professor Claire Hardaker's research shows that humans are only about 60% accurate when trying to identify AI text. This suggests that looking for simple patterns, such as specific punctuation, is not a reliable method because AI is trained on human writing. Consequently, human writers and AI models often end up using the same styles, making them hard to distinguish.

目前,人們對 AI 檢測的認知與實際事實之間存在巨大差異。Claire Hardaker 教授的研究顯示,人類在嘗試辨識 AI 文本時,準確度僅約 60%。這表明,尋找簡單的模式(例如特定的標點符號)並非可靠的方法,因為 AI 是根據人類的寫作進行訓練的。因此,人類作者與 AI 模型經常使用相同的風格,導致兩者難以區分。

Many professional and creative fields have seen an increase in accusations of using AI. In the literary world, some authors have had to withdraw their work or apologize for fake citations created by AI. Similarly, in the fanfiction community on the AO3 platform, users have created technical tools to find hidden code left by AI models like Claude. However, these tools only work for direct copy-pasting and cannot detect text that has been edited, which leads to many mistakes.

許多專業與創意領域中,關於使用 AI 的指控有所增加。在文學界,部分作者不得不撤回作品,或為 AI 產生的虛假引用道歉。同樣地,在 AO3 平台的同人小說社群中,使用者開發了技術工具來尋找 Claude 等 AI 模型留下的隱藏代碼。然而,這些工具僅對直接複製貼上有效,無法檢測經過編輯的文本,這導致了許多錯誤。

Experts argue that while AI is good at basic grammar, it lacks the real-life experience and emotions needed for true creativity. Professor Peter Stockwell emphasizes that AI is naturally conservative because it only uses existing data. Therefore, it cannot create the original or rebellious styles that humans produce. Furthermore, this leads to 'cultural ghosting,' where language becomes standardized and loses its global diversity.

專家認為,雖然 AI 擅長基礎語法,但缺乏真正創意所需的現實生活經驗與情感。Peter Stockwell 教授強調,AI 本質上是保守的,因為它僅使用現有數據。因此,它無法創造出人類所產生的原創或反叛風格。此外,這會導致「文化鬼影」(cultural ghosting),使語言變得標準化並失去全球多樣性。

Conclusion

Because we cannot reliably tell human and AI text apart, a climate of suspicion has developed. Nevertheless, the fact that AI lacks real consciousness means it still cannot achieve genuine literary innovation.

由於我們無法可靠地分辨人類與 AI 的文本,一種懷疑的氛圍隨之而來。儘管如此,AI 缺乏真實意識這一事實,意味著它仍然無法實現真正的文學創新。

Vocabulary Learning

⚡ The 'Logic-Link' Shift

To move from A2 to B2, you must stop using only simple words like and, but, and because. B2 speakers use Connectors of Result and Contrast to make their arguments sound professional and academic.


🧩 The 'Result' Chain

In the text, we see a sophisticated way to show cause and effect. Instead of saying "AI is trained on human writing, so it looks human," the author uses:

*"...AI is trained on human writing. Consequently, human writers and AI models often end up using the same styles..."

The Upgrade:

  • A2: So... \rightarrow B2: Consequently / Therefore / As a result

Example: I didn't study the verbs. \rightarrow Consequently, I failed the exam.


⚖️ The 'Contrast' Pivot

Notice how the author introduces a surprising fact or a contradiction. They don't just use but.

*"...a climate of suspicion has developed. Nevertheless, the fact that AI lacks real consciousness..."

The Upgrade:

  • A2: But... \rightarrow B2: Nevertheless / However / Despite this

Example: The hotel was very expensive. \rightarrow Nevertheless, the service was terrible.


🚀 Pro-Tip: The Punctuation Secret

B2 learners often forget that these 'power words' usually need a period (.) or a semicolon (;) before them and a comma (,) after them.

Wrong: I am tired but I will work. B2 Style: I am exhausted. However, I will finish the project tonight.

Vocabulary Learning

distinguish (v.)
To recognize or point out a difference between two or more people or things.
Example:It is often difficult to distinguish between a professional recording and a high-quality home demo.
withdraw (v.)
To remove something from a place or a situation, especially a product or a statement.
Example:The company decided to withdraw the faulty product from the market immediately.
citations (n.)
References to a book, author, or another piece of writing used as a source of information.
Example:The student was penalized for failing to include proper citations in her research paper.
conservative (adj.)
Averse to change or innovation and holding traditional values; in this context, tending to follow established patterns.
Example:The architect's design was too conservative, lacking the boldness needed for a modern museum.
standardized (adj.)
Made to conform to a standard or a consistent pattern.
Example:Standardized testing is used in many countries to ensure all students are evaluated on the same basis.
suspicion (n.)
A feeling or belief that someone is guilty of a dishonest or criminal act.
Example:The sudden disappearance of the documents raised a strong suspicion of theft.
innovation (n.)
The introduction of new things, ideas, or ways of doing something.
Example:Technological innovation is essential for the growth of the renewable energy sector.
Practice B2 words in a crossword