Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become one of the popular corporate buzzwords today due to its undeniable boost in productivity. However, behind these advantages lurk some serious downsides that we should consider.
Since the AI revolution has already started and will accelerate faster in the coming years, some researchers have revealed possible disadvantages to the workers (besides potentially getting replaced).
Here are some of the negative impacts of AI on workers and their industries.
AI can undermine humans’ intrinsic motivation
Generative AI, like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot, are generally viewed to enhance task performance by almost instantly displaying what you need and can even “think for you.”
However, research from China on 3,500 workers revealed that those who collaborated with GenAI on one task and transitioned to a different, unaided task experienced a decline in intrinsic motivation and increased boredom.
Other studies also showed that participants’ intrinsic motivation decreased by 11 percent on average, while boredom increased by 20 percent on average.
You may also observe this with people who are becoming increasingly reliant on GenAI tools for their daily tasks.
AI is making workers antisocial in the office
A recent Microsoft survey of 31,000 workers in 31 countries showed the danger AI poses to teams. More employees view AI tools as quicker and more efficient than communicating with other people. We all have these experiences, where you’d rather ask a machine than your colleagues.
The survey revealed that 17 percent of respondents prefer AI because they fear judgment from others and because AI feels private. Sixteen percent choose AI because they want to avoid the friction of working with colleagues.
Popular answers of those preferring to use AI rather than communicate with their peers or colleagues are: AI’s availability 24/7, faster response, and an endless stream of ideas on demand.
However, if this trend continues, it may cause office camaraderie to decline or become stale.
AI is leading some people to isolation and loneliness
OpenAI, creator of ChatGPT, and MIT Media Lab previously published research indicating that some people use the GenAI tool as a human relationship substitute, which may also be related to how AI affects office relations.
However, it may be another egg and chicken paradox: Which came first? Is AI making people more isolated, or are lonely people more likely to use AI as a substitute for human connections and relationships?
The AI Revolution will bring the biggest disruption of our lifetime by increasing productivity to the next level. However, if we’re not careful, we may not notice how it’s changing life for the worse, like decreasing intrinsic motivation, increasing boredom, making workers more antisocial, and leading some people to isolation.
How do you use AI, and what changes have you noticed in yourself? Please share them in the comments below!