Artificial intelligence tools are becoming increasingly sophisticated, but they still leave telltale signs that reveal when content has been AI-generated, according to Dan Depa, EY’s global chief innovation officer. In an interview with Business Insider, Depa shared his insights on detecting AI-generated work, drawing from his experience overseeing the Big Four firm’s global AI, data, and innovation strategy.
Depa, who manages how EY employees integrate AI into their workflows, has developed what he describes as a “high sensitivity” for identifying AI-generated content. While he strongly supports AI adoption and doesn’t impose strict limits on employee usage, he emphasizes that AI should amplify human creativity rather than replace it entirely. The executive warns that there’s a threshold where “it’s too much AI” and employees haven’t “infused any of their own original thoughts,” which can make the technology “less efficient or effective.”
In written communication, Depa identifies several red flags that indicate minimal human oversight. The most common sign is neutral, overly formal writing that lacks personal aspects, emotion, and humor. AI-generated text tends to be too polished, with no shifts in pattern, structure, or flow. It often sounds generic or corporate, relying heavily on buzzwords and descriptors. Repetitive language patterns, such as using the same phrases or sentence structures to open multiple sentences or paragraphs, are another giveaway.
For presentations, Depa notes that over-reliance on AI results in surface-level insights lacking specific examples. Topics are often addressed too broadly without consideration for the specific audience. He also flags “hedging” as a characteristic AI behavior, where the technology steers away from clear recommendations and instead presents multiple alternatives. “Anytime you see vagueness or general statements that don’t really tell you anything, I would often say that’s AI,” Depa explained.
Depa’s comments come as companies increasingly urge employees to adopt AI tools, creating a delicate balance for workers. A Business Insider survey of 220 respondents found that 40% said “yes” or “sometimes” when asked whether they hide or downplay their AI use at work. This suggests employees are caught between demonstrating tech-savviness and avoiding over-dependence on AI.
Depa recommends a specific workflow: write your own content first with the bullets and messaging you want to convey, then ask an AI tool to refine it. This approach, he argues, allows AI to challenge your thinking productively while maintaining individuality and style.
Key Quotes
It’s too much AI, and the person hasn’t infused any of their own original thoughts.
Dan Depa, EY’s global chief innovation officer, describes situations where employees over-rely on AI without adding their own thinking. This matters because it establishes that even at a firm embracing AI, there are boundaries to appropriate usage.
If you write it yourself first and then ask for the enhancement using AI, I feel like that’s much more productive.
Depa provides his recommended workflow for AI integration, emphasizing that human thinking should come first. This guidance offers a practical framework for employees navigating AI adoption while maintaining quality and originality.
Anytime you see vagueness or general statements that don’t really tell you anything, I would often say that’s AI.
The EY executive identifies a key characteristic of AI-generated content—its tendency toward hedging and lack of specificity. This insight helps explain why AI, despite its sophistication, still falls short in professional contexts requiring clear recommendations and decisive thinking.
Our Take
Depa’s observations reveal a paradox at the heart of workplace AI adoption: companies want employees to use AI, but not too much. This creates an uncomfortable dynamic where workers must perform a delicate balancing act, leveraging AI efficiency while demonstrating human value. The fact that 40% of workers hide their AI use suggests many haven’t figured out this balance yet—or fear judgment for their reliance on the technology. What’s particularly insightful is Depa’s focus on “hedging” as an AI characteristic. This reflects a fundamental limitation: AI is trained to present balanced, non-committal responses, but business contexts often demand decisive recommendations and clear positions. The most valuable takeaway is Depa’s workflow recommendation—human thinking first, AI refinement second. This approach preserves the strategic and creative value humans bring while capturing AI’s efficiency benefits. As AI capabilities expand, this human-first, AI-enhanced model may become the standard for knowledge work.
Why This Matters
This story highlights a critical tension in the workplace AI revolution: as companies push for AI adoption, executives are simultaneously watching for signs that employees are relying too heavily on the technology. Depa’s insights matter because they come from a leader at one of the world’s largest professional services firms, where communication quality and original thinking are paramount to client service.
The revelation that 40% of workers hide their AI use suggests a trust gap and uncertainty about acceptable AI integration. As AI tools become more sophisticated, the ability to distinguish between human and AI-generated work will become increasingly important for maintaining quality standards, preserving individual creativity, and ensuring accountability. This story signals that the future of work isn’t about choosing between human or AI—it’s about finding the right balance. Organizations will need clear guidelines on appropriate AI use, and employees must learn to leverage AI as an enhancement tool rather than a replacement for critical thinking. The emphasis on maintaining personal style and voice also suggests that human differentiation will become more valuable as AI becomes ubiquitous.
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Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/ey-global-cio-shares-how-he-detects-ai-2026-1