Background:

More and more software is gaining AI integration. Now, if a person is typing a sentence, it is highly likely that an AI will suggestion a possible remainder of the sentence. Sometimes this is useful, and sometimes it is annoying, but weirdly it is NEVER monetized!

Proposal:

At least… not yet! But it would be extremely easy for every piece of software that provides 1) spell checking, 2) text autocomplete, or 3) general writing suggestions to also provide advertiser-suggested text options.

One of the most obvious, and intrusive, ways of implementing this would be to inject ads into a user’s text message autocomplete suggestions, as shown in Figure 1.

There is no reason to limit this functionality to just texting. Document editing now often provides AI-suggested grammar fixes, spell-checking, and even complete suggested paragraphs.

This is usually touted as being suitable for situations like creating a boring corporate newsletter, where AI is able to efficiently generate soulless-yet-professional corporate-speak writing. But there’s no reason that every topic, from recipes to diary entries, could be enhanced with sponsored suggestions.

For example:

• Writing down a shopping list. Instead of writing “milk, eggs, baking soda,“ the system could automatically suggest some brands: “Wholesome Dairy Milk (2%), Fresh Valley Eggs (One Dozen), Amalgamated Petrochemicals Baking Soda (500 grams).”
• Writing down a list of things to do on a vacation. Instead of writing “beach, coffee, lunch,” the system could suggest specific venues and include their addresses as hyperlinks (e.g. “Joe’s Beachfront Grotto, Starbucks Coffee at 4^th and Columbus, Lunch at The Sandwich Shack.”).
• Writing a very personal diary entry, as shown in Figure 2.

Conclusion:

The technology for this has excited for years, yet, shockingly, it still hasn’t been implemented. Shameful!

PROS: Another great AI idea. Someone fund me!!!

CONS: None!

Originally published 2025-10-06 (and, sort of, 2020-09-28).