A fascinating new study from renowned researchers has revealed something unexpected about the use of artificial intelligence (AI) at work. The research, conducted by experts from a prestigious university, shows that employees who rely on AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, or Copilot are often viewed less favorably than those who do not. The study suggests that while AI is lauded for boosting productivity, it also carries a social stigma that could hinder its widespread use in workplaces.
Published in a leading journal, the study, led by Jessica Reif, Richard Larrick, and Jack Soll, explores how the use of AI tools is perceived by colleagues. Through four online experiments involving 4,400 participants, the research delves into the biases against those who incorporate AI in their daily work tasks.
In the first experiment, participants were asked to imagine using an AI tool for a project and predict how coworkers would view them. The majority felt they would be judged as lazy, unskilled, or replaceable.
The second experiment flipped the scenario, asking participants to describe colleagues who used AI for work. Once again, AI users were seen as less competent, less independent, and more likely to rely on shortcuts.
In the third experiment, participants acted as hiring managers and were tasked with evaluating candidates who admitted to using AI in their work. Those who disclosed AI use were rated lower unless the evaluator had personal experience with AI, in which case the bias was reduced.
The final experiment examined situations where the AI tool was undeniably suitable for the task and had a proven track record of improving productivity. In these cases, negative judgments about AI users were significantly less frequent.
What stood out in the research is that individuals with personal experience using AI were more open-minded and accepting of it in themselves and others. This suggests that biases may stem from a lack of understanding, which could change as AI becomes more common in professional environments.
In conclusion, while AI offers clear advantages in terms of efficiency, its adoption at work faces a social barrier. For AI to truly be embraced in the workplace, attitudes and workplace cultures will need to evolve along with the technology.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News LinkedIn Account | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Facebook | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Youtube | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Twitter |The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Whatsapp Channel | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Instagram
About us:
The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News is a premier platform dedicated to delivering latest news, updates, and insights from the tech industry. With its strong foundation of intellectual property and thought leadership, the platform is well-positioned to stay ahead of the curve and lead conversations about how technology shapes our world. From its early days as CIO News to its rebranding as The Mainstream on November 28, 2024, it has been expanding its global reach, targeting key markets in the Middle East & Africa, ASEAN, the USA, and the UK. The Mainstream is a vision to put technology at the center of every conversation, inspiring professionals and organizations to embrace the future of tech.
