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.

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.

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.

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.

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.