EY Exec Reveals How to Spot AI-Generated Content

Joe Depa, EY's global chief innovation officer, has developed what he calls a "high sensitivity" for detecting AI-generated work. His unique vantage point comes from leading the Big Four firm's global AI, data, and innovation strategy, where he oversees how employees integrate artificial intelligence into their daily work.

While Depa is "all in" on the technology and doesn't impose strict limits on AI usage, he has identified clear patterns that reveal when content was created by machines rather than humans. His insights come at a critical moment when companies urgently push employees to adopt AI tools, creating a delicate balance between technological efficiency and human creativity.

"If you write it yourself first and then ask for the enhancement using AI, I feel like that's much more productive."

When examining written communication, Depa identifies several signals that indicate AI generation with minimal human oversight. The most common indicator is neutral and overly formal writing that lacks personal aspects, emotion, or humor. AI-generated text often feels too polished, with no natural shifts in pattern, structure, or flow.

Another significant red flag is generic corporate language that relies heavily on buzzwords and descriptors. Repetitive patterns also betray AI involvement, particularly when the same phrases or sentence structures open multiple sentences or paragraphs. These characteristics create content that sounds professional but lacks the authentic voice of a human writer.

Depa recommends a hybrid approach that preserves human creativity while leveraging AI's refinement capabilities. He advises teams to write their own content first, establishing the core bullets and messaging, then use AI tools for enhancement rather than creation.

In presentations, over-reliance on AI produces surface-level insights that lack specific examples or concrete details. Depa notes that AI-generated presentations often address topics too broadly, showing little consideration for the actual audience's needs or context. This creates a disconnect between information delivery and meaningful communication.

Perhaps the most telling sign is what Depa calls "hedging"—a design feature of AI that steers away from clear recommendations. Instead of decisive conclusions, AI tends to present multiple alternatives, creating vagueness that obscures actionable insights.

"Anytime you see vagueness or general statements that don't really tell you anything, I would often say that's AI."

While AI tools have improved significantly and can still hallucinate facts, Depa believes they should challenge thinking rather than replace it. The technology works best when humans provide the creative direction and original thoughts, then use AI to amplify and refine those ideas.

Depa emphasizes that maintaining individuality and personal style is crucial in an AI-driven workplace. When everyone relies too heavily on the same tools, content becomes homogenized, losing the unique voice that makes communication compelling. He warns there are situations where "it's too much AI," and the person hasn't "infused any of their own original thoughts."

In those cases, "there does become a point of AI becoming a little bit less efficient or effective," Depa explains. This creates a paradox where the technology designed to enhance productivity actually diminishes it by producing generic, uninspired work.

The tension is reflected in workplace behavior. A survey of 220 respondents found that 40% admitted to hiding or downplaying their AI use at work. This suggests many workers feel pressure to demonstrate technological adoption while simultaneously fearing judgment for over-reliance on artificial intelligence.

Depa's perspective represents a nuanced approach to AI integration that values human creativity above mechanical efficiency. Rather than setting rigid limits, he focuses on the quality and authenticity of output, encouraging employees to use AI as a collaborative partner rather than a replacement for human insight.

The key lies in understanding AI's role as a refinement tool rather than a creation engine. When humans provide the original thinking, emotional context, and personal perspective, AI can enhance the presentation and polish without sacrificing authenticity.

As companies continue navigating the AI revolution, Depa's insights offer a framework for maintaining human-centered productivity. The goal isn't to avoid AI entirely, but to ensure technology amplifies rather than replaces the unique value that human creativity brings to communication and problem-solving.

Joe Depa's expertise reveals that AI detection comes from understanding the subtle differences between machine efficiency and human creativity. While AI tools continue improving, they still struggle to replicate the authentic voice, emotional depth, and original thinking that define compelling communication.

The future of workplace productivity depends on finding the right balance—using AI to enhance human capabilities while preserving the individuality that makes each person's work unique. As adoption accelerates, the ability to distinguish between human and AI-generated content becomes increasingly valuable for maintaining quality and authenticity in professional communication.