Artificial intelligence has been making significant progress in recent years, and the impact it has had on various fields is truly remarkable. However, a new study from Cornell University as reported by CTV (https://www.ctvnews.ca/sci-tech/if-people-even-suspect-you-re-using-ai-to-respond-to-messages-it-can-have-a-negative-impact-study-1.6366434.) has highlighted an important aspect of AI that is often overlooked – its impact on social interactions.
The study found that while AI-generated responses can improve efficiency, they can also have a negative impact on the way people express themselves and perceive others in conversations. The researchers discovered that people who used smart replies were perceived as less co-operative and their partner felt less affiliation towards them.
The study is significant because it sheds light on the often-ignored social dimension of technology. Technology companies tend to focus on the utility of AI tools to improve efficiency and productivity, but they often overlook the impact that these tools can have on social interactions.
The study also raises concerns about the potential consequences of relying too heavily on AI-generated responses. While these tools can help users respond to messages faster and make it easier to reply to messages, they may also sacrifice some of the user’s personal voice. This suggests that people using text-generating AI are not fully expressing themselves, and their language is being altered in ways they might not expect.
While AI-generated responses can undoubtedly improve efficiency and positivity, it’s important to remember that we do not live and work in isolation. The systems we use impact our interactions with others, and it’s crucial to consider the social dimension of technology.
The findings of this study serve as a reminder that while technology can bring great benefits, it’s important to consider its impact on social interactions. AI tools should be designed to enhance our ability to communicate with each other, rather than replace it. As we continue to develop new technologies, it’s essential that we take a human-centred approach, one that considers the social impact of these tools on our lives.