Are People Really Not Interested in AI-Generated Content? A Perspective from New York

As AI-generated content floods our feeds—from news articles to marketing materials to social media—it’s becoming increasingly clear that many people feel something is missing. While these texts may be grammatically correct and visually polished, a common response is: “It just doesn’t stick.”

Recent studies suggest this isn’t just a hunch. There is mounting evidence that people tend to be less interested in, or even resistant to, content created by AI. And in cities like New York—where creativity, storytelling, and craftsmanship are highly valued—this trend seems especially relevant.

In this article, we’ll examine the latest data and psychological insights around this topic. What do studies show about human reactions to AI-generated works? And what can we learn from the preferences of New Yorkers in particular?

In a 2025 survey by Nativo, over 700 U.S. participants were asked to read and evaluate both AI- and human-written articles. Surprisingly, more than half of them couldn’t reliably tell which was which. AI-generated content in finance was particularly effective, while fashion content remained easier to identify as machine-made.

This tells us that while AI can replicate tone and structure well, the emotional resonance and “why” behind a piece still matter—and AI struggles here.

In an August 2025 Ipsos poll, three out of four Americans said they prefer humans to create news and entertainment content. Nearly 70% also favored human-made marketing and artistic work.

This aligns with cultural norms in New York, where authenticity and storytelling are central to creative industries. Whether it’s journalism or visual design, the human touch remains a marker of trust.

A study from the State University of New York at Oswego found that human-made artworks were consistently rated more valuable than AI-made ones, even when the AI-generated pieces were technically sophisticated.

This implies that buyers and viewers assign economic and emotional value to the “human effort” involved in making something. In a place like New York, that craftsmanship is often worth more than efficiency alone.

To be fair, AI-generated content does have advantages—such as clarity, speed, and accessibility. Some readers found AI-written poems easier to understand than complex classical works.

But in a city like New York, audiences often seek depth, nuance, and originality—elements that AI has yet to master. Clear does not always mean compelling.

AI will continue to evolve, and its ability to assist with content creation is undeniable. But what New Yorkers—and many others—still value is humanity: the intention, the imperfection, the emotional weight behind a message.

At our company, we don’t reject AI—we integrate it. But we also believe that content that connects still needs a human story. And in creative capitals like New York, that story is more important than ever.

‍

‍