How Are People Using AI Tools for Writing Every Day?

AI-assisted writing has transitioned from a niche innovation to an integral part of daily communication. The advent of large language models (LLMs) has transformed written communication since ChatGPT's release in November 2022. These models enhance productivity and democratize content creation, particularly for non-native speakers and smaller organizations.

While anecdotal evidence of LLM use has been widely reported, systematic research into how these models are reshaping communication at scale has been limited. A recent study by researchers at Stanford, the University of Washington, Emory University, and others explores how AI-generated content is being adopted across multiple sectors.

This post breaks down the study's key insights and explores what they mean for individuals and organizations.

Study Overview and Methodology

The research paper, The Widespread Adoption of Large Language Model-Assisted Writing Across Society, examines LLM integration in four key domains:

• Consumer Complaints: 687,241 complaints filed with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
• Corporate Press Releases: Over 537,000 press releases
• Job Postings: A dataset of 304.3 million job postings
• United Nations Press Releases: 15,919 UN press releases

Researchers used a validated statistical framework to quantify AI-generated or modified content, providing a clear view of adoption trends over time.

Key Takeaways

Rapid Surge, Followed by Stabilization

Across all examined domains, AI adoption surged after ChatGPT's release, then stabilized by late 2023 into 2024:

• Consumer Complaints: LLM-assisted content grew from 1.5% to 15.3% in a few months post-ChatGPT, reaching 17.7% by August 2024.
• Corporate Press Releases: AI-modified content peaked at over 24% on some platforms like Newswire, while others stabilized around 15-16%.
• Job Postings: AI adoption reached 10-15% in sectors like engineering and sales, particularly among small firms.
• UN Communications: AI-generated content grew from 3% in early 2023 to 13.7% by Q3 2024, with regional variations.

Adoption Patterns

The study highlights distinct adoption patterns:

• Smaller, younger companies are more likely to use AI for job postings, with adoption rates up to 15% in certain professional categories.
• Larger, established firms show a more conservative uptake of AI tools in corporate communications.

Implications for Communication and Trust

While AI-assisted writing boosts efficiency, it raises concerns about authenticity and standardization:

• Standardization risk: Heavy reliance on AI may lead to overly uniform messaging.
• Public perception: Trust in AI-generated communication varies across industries, particularly in authoritative spaces.

As AI-generated content becomes commonplace, organizations must balance leveraging AI's benefits with maintaining transparency and credibility.

Broader Societal Impact

The widespread adoption of AI writing tools carries significant implications:

• For consumers: Faster and clearer interactions with businesses.
• For businesses: Greater efficiency, particularly for smaller firms scaling communication efforts.
• For policymakers and researchers: A pressing need to address concerns around AI's role in shaping public discourse and data privacy.

The long-term effects on public perception and credibility remain an important area for continued study.

Conclusion

This research provides shows that LLM-generated content affects consumer interactions, corporate messaging, job recruitment, and international diplomacy. Businesses, policymakers, and individuals must adapt by finding the right balance between AI-driven efficiency and meaningful human oversight. The future of communication depends on how effectively we navigate these changes.