So what's up with the em dash?
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Hi Reader, Hey y'all, I need to get something off my chest. You've probably become versed in this too, but I can spot an AI-generated caption from a mile away. That long, dramatic pause — the “—” — that suddenly showed up everywhere when most of us began using ChatGPT. Don’t get me wrong… sometimes the em dash is appropriate. It can add rhythm, emphasis, and personality when it’s used intentionally. Personally, it helps me to identify pauses when reading. But lately? It's not only become overused, but it's been the easiest way to spot AI-generated material. Why it's important: One of my main goals as a social media manager is to make sure content actually sounds like the client. But when I see a post full of em dashes, perfectly balanced phrases, and overly polished structure, it doesn’t sound like the creator. It sounds like AI trying to be human. So, the em dash has its place. So does AI-generated content. But most of the time, I delete the em dash not as a punctuation correction but because I’m fighting for voice. If content feels too perfect, too symmetrical, or too “ChatGPT-ish,” it probably is. Did I use ChatGPT to draft this email? Yes. With gratitude, Allie @ Twilight Social Media |
Twilight Social Media
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