Workers Faking AI Use to Meet Bosses' Expectations, Report Finds
Nearly half of workers have exaggerated their AI usage or expertise to meet expectations, according to a new report. The pressure to incorporate AI into workflows is evident.
Almost half of American workers have exaggerated their use or expertise of artificial intelligence (AI) to colleagues and leadership, a new report from software firm Visier reveals. The study polled 1,000 full-time employees across various sectors in the United States.
The report indicates that pressure from employers to integrate AI into workflows, often without a clear understanding of its capabilities or impact, leads employees to feign AI usage. While 54% of respondents felt AI had significantly changed their roles or careers in the past two years, its impact varied widely, with some reporting improved job performance and others experiencing negative consequences.
Anxiety and uncertainty surrounding AI are widespread. Nearly 60% of employees are unsure of their employer's plans to address AI-driven changes, and 45% felt pressured to use AI even when not confident in its effective application.
The drive to use AI prompts some workers to pretend they are using it, believing that showing enthusiasm is as important, or more so, than achieving better results. According to the report, a lack of trust in leadership underlies this "performative AI use." One-third of respondents desire more AI-related training and upskilling opportunities, while 31% called for greater transparency.