tech

Don't use AI when emailing Paul Graham

Y Combinator cofounder Paul Graham wrote that founders were emailing him in a "hard-hitting journalistic style" — which he considers a clear AI tell.

Don't use AI when emailing Paul Graham

TL;DR

  • Paul Graham, cofounder of Y Combinator, notices a trend of founders using AI to write pitch emails.
  • He identifies AI-generated emails by their "hard-hitting journalistic style," which he believes is inauthentic.
  • Graham states that once he realizes an email is AI-written, he tends to ignore it.
  • He believes AI should be used, but in the "right way," similar to other technologies.
  • Other industry leaders, like Boom Supersonic CEO Blake Scholl and serial entrepreneur Zain Manji, also express concerns about AI-generated writing.
  • The use of AI in applications, such as cover letters and resumes, can also negatively impact candidates.
  • Graham dismisses the idea that AI-native proficiency is impressive, stating "any teenager can do that."