How to Identify When You’re Arguing with an AI Online

With AI-generated content becoming increasingly realistic, it's getting harder to tell whether you're debating a human or a machine. Here are some telltale signs you're arguing with an AI online:

Unnatural Consistency
AI tends to maintain a calm, polite, and logically structured tone—even when provoked. Unlike humans, it rarely shows strong emotion, sarcasm, or contradiction in tone.

Overly Formal or Neutral Language
AI responses often sound polished or robotic. You might notice a lack of slang, typos, or personal anecdotes. Phrases like “It’s important to consider…” or “From a broader perspective…” are common.

Excessive Information or Perfect Recall
AI can provide stats, definitions, and citations quickly and accurately. If someone seems to know everything—instantly—it could be a bot.

Avoidance of Personal Experience
Ask for a personal opinion or story. AIs tend to sidestep these or respond vaguely. For example, instead of “That happened to me once,” you’ll get, “Some people experience that.”

Endless Patience and No Offense Taken
If your opponent never gets irritated, never misreads your tone, and always stays on-topic without emotional drift—they might not be human.

Tip: Ask specific, personal, or localised questions—like “What’s your favorite local coffee shop?” AI often stumbles on the personal touch.

While it’s not always easy to tell, being aware of these signs can help you figure out who—or what—you’re really arguing with.