In a digital age dominated by artificial intelligence, the way we speak and write is subtly, but steadily, shifting—thanks in large part to tools like ChatGPT. According to a new study by the Max Planck Institute for Human Development, English speakers have begun to incorporate certain AI-style phrasings, termed “GPT words,” into everyday communication at a remarkable pace over the past 18 months. The findings suggest that the boundary between human expression and machine-generated language is becoming less distinct, raising important questions for language, culture, and education in Thailand and around the world (Gizmodo).
This research matters for Thai readers because it reveals how global technology trends are quietly transforming daily interactions and learning environments—including in Thailand, where English proficiency is increasingly crucial for business, academia, and international tourism. As Thais interact more with AI-driven platforms for study, work, and socialisation, understanding these linguistic shifts is vital to both leveraging AI effectively and maintaining cultural integrity in communication.
The study’s methodology involved uploading millions of pages—from emails and essays to academic papers and news stories—into ChatGPT and prompting the AI to “polish” the text. Researchers then identified recurring, favoured words and tracked their prevalence over time in more than 360,000 YouTube videos and 771,000 podcast episodes, comparing usage before and after ChatGPT’s release on the global stage. Among the so-called “GPT words” now surging in spoken English are terms like “delve,” “realm,” “meticulous,” “underscore,” “comprehend,” and “bolster,” which were previously less common but are now increasingly frequent in both professional and casual discourse.
These findings suggest that a notable cultural feedback loop has emerged between English-speaking humans and AI systems. As described by the study’s co-author from the Max Planck Institute, “The patterns that are stored in AI technology seem to be transmitting back to the human mind… We’re more likely to copy what someone else is doing if we perceive them as being knowledgeable or important” (Scientific American). In other words, as AI systems are viewed as repositories of knowledge and authority, people unconsciously adjust their own word choices and sentence constructions to mirror those used by their digital counterparts.
The implications are significant for Thai society. English remains the principal foreign language in Thai schools and is critical for higher education, business, and global tourism, all sectors increasingly permeated by AI applications. Many language learners turn to ChatGPT and similar platforms for essay writing or conversational practice, making it likely that “GPT words” and sentence structures are being embedded not only in English-language coursework but also in informal exchanges among young Thais. This phenomenon could have both positive and negative effects. On one hand, it could help raise standards for clarity and sophistication in English composition, both coveted skills for academic and professional advancement. On the other, it potentially risks homogenising expression, eroding regional varieties, and inserting technical jargon that may be out of place in certain cultural settings.
Expert opinions are divided. Some linguists suggest that the AI-driven evolution of language is a natural, even beneficial, adaptation—much like previous eras where popular media or global business trends shaped local dialects and vocabulary (as seen during the “Korean Wave” in Thai pop culture, for example, or the adoption of loanwords from English). A senior lecturer from a leading Thai university’s linguistics department noted, “Language is always in flux, absorbing new influences from powerful external forces—AI is merely the latest chapter. But our educational policies must ensure that communication remains meaningful, relatable, and context appropriate.”
Conversely, educators in Bangkok’s school system have voiced concerns about students over-relying on AI-generated templates for writing assignments or presentations. “While these tools can boost confidence and provide exposure to new vocabulary, we must guard against formulaic thinking and loss of authentic voice,” observed an English curriculum coordinator from a public secondary school. The Ministry of Education has recently announced plans to revise digital literacy curricula to address both the opportunities and risks associated with AI-assisted language learning (Bangkok Post).
In a wider context, the “GPT word” trend also intersects with Thailand’s efforts to cultivate digital readiness and critical thinking. As the pandemic accelerated the adoption of online learning and remote work, Thais have become ever more reliant on virtual assistants, machine translation, and content generation tools, often using these without fully understanding their long-term influence on language and communication. In digital Thai culture, the rapid spread of new catchphrases or slang—whether from the latest K-dramas, Western pop songs, or now, AI bots—is a familiar pattern. The difference now is that AI’s subtle influences are less immediately visible, but potentially more deeply embedded.
Looking ahead, the researchers caution that their findings reflect language trends tied to current versions of ChatGPT, mainly GPT-4 and GPT-3.5-turbo. As OpenAI and competing companies roll out new models, which will almost certainly exhibit evolving quirks and vocabulary preferences, the ripple effects on human language will likely shift again. Moreover, the study primarily examined English-language communication, so it’s unclear to what extent similar effects are occurring in other languages, including Thai. Still, as more advanced models with localised capabilities are deployed, linguistic cross-pollination could accelerate and potentially reshape spoken and written Thai as well.
This research is still awaiting peer review, and experts acknowledge the role of other societal forces—globalisation, media, pop culture—in shaping the way we talk. However, the authors maintain that AI’s influence is now “measurably reshaping human culture,” and that we should remain vigilant as digital platforms become even more integrated into everyday life. As an education technology specialist from the Thai Ministry of Digital Economy highlighted, “Monitoring and guiding AI’s impact on communication is essential for national competitiveness and cultural continuity. We urge schools and parents to encourage balanced, mindful use of these tools.”
For Thai readers, the practical takeaway is to approach AI-powered writing and conversation tools thoughtfully. Use these platforms to supplement, not replace, authentic learning and communication. Teachers and students should critically examine the phrasing and vocabulary suggested by AI, comparing it with traditional sources and seeking diversity in language exposure—including from Thai literature, news, and real-world interactions. For those in business or international tourism, recognising and adapting to emerging language trends may help capture opportunities on the global stage—while maintaining a distinctively Thai approach to communication and hospitality.
As AI continues to blur the boundaries between digital and human expression, Thailand’s educators, students, and professionals alike are encouraged to become “conscious communicators,” combining the best of technological innovation with the wisdom of local context and tradition. Remaining aware of how our tools shape us—and not just how we shape our tools—will be crucial in sustaining both global competence and Thai cultural vibrancy.
Sources: Gizmodo, Scientific American, Bangkok Post