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Express Tribune
13-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Using AI tools like ChatGPT at work may harm your reputation, study finds
A new study from Duke University reveals a hidden downside to using AI at work: it might quietly hurt your professional reputation. Published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), the study shows that employees who rely on AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini are often seen by their peers and managers as lazy, less competent, and less independent—even when the AI boosts productivity. Researchers Jessica Reif, Richard Larrick, and Jack Soll from Duke's Fuqua School of Business conducted four large-scale experiments involving over 4,400 participants. The results showed a consistent 'social evaluation penalty' tied to AI use in the workplace. 'Although AI can enhance productivity, its use carries social costs,' the authors wrote. In one experiment, participants who imagined using AI at work believed they would be judged more harshly than those using traditional tools. In another, participants evaluating employee profiles viewed AI users as less hireable and more replaceable—especially if the evaluator didn't use AI themselves. That bias, the study found, wasn't limited by age, gender, or job title. Negative judgments cut across all demographics. And this perception had real consequences: managers unfamiliar with AI were less likely to hire candidates who used it regularly. However, there was one major exception—when AI use was clearly tied to the job's needs, the reputational hit softened. In other words, context matters. Interestingly, people who used AI tools often were less likely to judge others harshly, suggesting familiarity may reduce bias. But the fear of stigma runs deep. Many employees hide their use of AI tools from their bosses, earning them the nickname 'secret cyborgs,' a term coined by Wharton professor Ethan Mollick. The study underscores a tricky balancing act. While AI promises productivity gains, employees may be quietly penalized for embracing it. And as AI adoption accelerates, this reputational dilemma may become a central issue in future workplace dynamics. In other words: AI might help you work smarter—but it could still make you look worse.
Time of India
12-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Workers using AI tools seen as less competent: Study
Employees who rely on artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini or Copilot are often perceived as less intelligent, less hardworking and even lazier than their peers, according to a new study by Duke University. The research highlights a potential social bias that could slow the broader acceptance of AI in the workplace , despite its proven benefits in boosting productivity. #Operation Sindoor The damage done at Pak bases as India strikes to avenge Pahalgam Why Pakistan pleaded to end hostilities Kashmir's Pahalgam sparks Karachi's nightmare The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, was conducted by researchers Jessica Reif, Richard Larrick and Jack Soll. It involved four online experiments with 4,400 participants to examine how workers who use AI are perceived by others. In the first experiment, participants were asked to imagine themselves using an AI tool to complete a task, then assess how they believed their colleagues would judge them. Most expected to be seen as lazy, incompetent or easily replaceable. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Join new Free to Play WWII MMO War Thunder War Thunder Play Now Undo The second experiment asked respondents to evaluate co-workers who used AI to complete assignments. The perceptions remained largely negative, with such workers viewed as less competent, less confident and lacking independence. A third experiment placed participants in the position of hiring managers reviewing job applicants. Candidates who admitted to using AI for work were rated less favourably. However, the bias diminished when the hiring managers themselves had experience using AI tools . Live Events In the final experiment, the researchers explored how perceptions changed when AI use was both appropriate for the task and clearly improved productivity. Under these conditions, the negative judgments reduced significantly. Discover the stories of your interest Blockchain 5 Stories Cyber-safety 7 Stories Fintech 9 Stories E-comm 9 Stories ML 8 Stories Edtech 6 Stories Across all experiments, one trend stood out. Participants with direct experience using AI were consistently more accepting of both their own and others' AI use. The findings suggest that social perceptions may act as a barrier to the adoption of AI in professional settings. Even when the tools deliver measurable improvements in efficiency, hesitation around their use may persist due to workplace culture. The study comes at a time when the role of AI in the future of work is under intense scrutiny. While AI is being adopted to automate routine functions, concerns remain over its impact on human jobs. Last month, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development warned that AI could affect up to 40% of jobs globally .
