tech
Y Combinator applications are getting longer, with more em dashes. Guess why.
Applications to Y Combinator grew 60% in length over the past three years, one partner wrote. Another pointed out the use of em dashes, suspecting AI.
TL;DR
- Y Combinator applications have grown in length by 60% in the last three years.
- The prevalence of em dashes and the word 'wedge' has increased significantly in applications.
- Y Combinator partners suspect AI is being used to write applications, citing linguistic patterns.
- CEO Garry Tan uses AI for writing and views it as a tool for high-bandwidth conversations.
- Former cofounder Paul Graham dislikes AI-generated writing, finding it feels like being lied to.
- Despite differing views on AI writing, YC is invested in AI-generated writing startups.