The widespread use of em dashes in writing—particularly in correspondence generated by artificial intelligence systems—has become a pervasive and concerning issue. For many, em dashes disrupt the readability of text and interrupt the natural flow of language, leading to confusion and misunderstandings. While they can sometimes be helpful in human written text, when used excessively and without clear intent by AI, em dashes can make content feel awkward and disjointed.

Moreover, em dashes are not universally understood across all cultures and languages. Their overuse can make AI-generated content inaccessible to non-native English speakers and those with different educational backgrounds or cognitive processing challenges. This is a barrier to effective communication and may exclude individuals from comprehending or engaging with AI outputs adequately.

The prevalence of em dashes is particularly concerning given the rapid expansion of AI technologies in critical sectors such as education, media, and customer service. As AI-generated content becomes an integral part of daily communication, it is more important than ever to ensure that this content is clear, concise, and accessible to everyone.

To address this issue, we propose the following steps:

1. Implement guidelines in AI development that limit the use of em dashes, replacing them with commas, periods, or other punctuation that enhances clarity and comprehension.

2. Encourage AI developers and companies to prioritize language inclusivity and accessibility in their design and algorithms.

3. Promote awareness and understanding of the limitations and appropriate usage of punctuation when developing AI text generators.

By signing this petition, you join us in calling for a ban on the use of em dashes in AI systems to promote more inclusive and accessible communication. Let's ensure that AI contributes to effective and clear communication for all.