Study suggests that use of AI damages professional standing

Despite the rapid rise and use of AI, many have the feeling that they will be judged negatively for using AI. AI users expect to be perceived as lazy, incompetent, unmotivated and replaceable. These fears have now appear to have been proven true in a study carried out by the Proceedings Of The National Academy Of Sciences (PNAS).

Study shows: AI use can damage professional standing

A recent study from Duke University suggests that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in professional tasks can negatively influence the perception of one's own abilities and commitment by colleagues or superiors. In several experiments with 4,439 participants, researchers investigated how people evaluate the work of others when it is known that AI has been used, regardless of age, gender or profession. The study was based on experimental setups in which participants evaluated fictitious scenarios and work results, with the use of AI by the person performing the task being disclosed or varied.

The results indicate that professionals who use AI, even if the end result is of high quality, are perceived as less competent, less committed or even lazy. This effect appears to be stronger when the task is considered demanding or time-consuming. This suggests that the main problem is not the quality of the work produced with AI, but rather the perception that a shortcut was taken or less effort was invested.

These findings pose a potential dilemma for professionals: while AI can increase efficiency, its use carries the risk of how one is perceived in professional settings. The study thus highlights the need to better understand the social and psychological impact of AI in the workplace, particularly in regard to teamwork and career development.