The temptation of speed in writing messages using artificial intelligence may cause us to lose trust and credibility in the workplace.
Artificial intelligence has become present in many aspects of our working lives, ranging from automated email replies to administrative task automation and text editing. However, this is not without growing warnings about the risks of over-reliance on this technology, especially when it comes to digital communication, which is the backbone of professional relationships.
The early emergence of artificial intelligence in communication
It is nothing new to try to employ computer programs in drafting texts and replies; years ago, some used similar applications to generate instant responses to messages. But the noticeable development in artificial intelligence tools such as chatbots and automated writing assistants has led many to question: should we rely on these tools to write important emails?
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Concerns about authenticity and credibility
When someone receives a congratulatory message from their boss at work, for example, and later discovers it was written by artificial intelligence, a feeling will arise that this message was not sincere. Research indicates that recipients evaluate messages based on the human effort expended in drafting them, and that “copied” or “machine-backed” messages may lose their moral value. Herein lies the core of the danger: excessive resort to artificial intelligence in official or personal correspondence may weaken the spirit of trust between colleagues and clients.
Over-reliance on artificial intelligence
Studies indicate that doctors, for example, may sometimes abandon their medical judgment if artificial intelligence provides a different diagnosis. The same may apply to employees who lose their communication abilities and critical thinking skills if they get used to using artificial intelligence to write every email or report. This gives rise to what is called “automation bias” or “mental reliance on technology,” where we blindly trust the machine’s capabilities and slack off on verifying its results.
The impact on our professional lives
In many cases, we may turn to artificial intelligence in search of speed, but we discover that we have wasted more time correcting its output or rewriting it. Furthermore, using these tools can hinder the development of our language skills and our ability to manage professional conversations, which negatively affects our future job opportunities. Without sufficient practice in drafting and a deep understanding of situational requirements, we will find ourselves unable to write or respond professionally in sudden situations that require quick answers.
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How do we use artificial intelligence responsibly?
Despite the warnings, this does not mean that artificial intelligence is not useful. It can be used for proofreading or suggesting ideas, provided that humans play the major role in the final drafting. Transparency is required in certain sensitive cases, where the recipient should be disclosed about the use of smart tools, clarifying that the goal is to improve the quality of the message, not to evade writing responsibility.
The issue of allowing artificial intelligence to write our messages seems at first glance like a magical solution to save time, but it can produce long-term consequences. Trust, credibility, and language skills are no less valuable than speed. If we replace them entirely with technology, we may miss the most important human aspect of communication, which is reflected in our professional and personal relationships alike.
