With the swift development of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies and their increasing presence in everyday activities, an unexpected trend is arising: individuals tend to either steer clear of or hide their reliance on AI. Prominent instances encompass "AI washing (laundering)," wherein users purposefully add mistakes to AI-produced material to make it seem like it was created manually, and "AI detox," which involves consciously avoiding AI tools to guard against supposed reductions in personal skills.
A (31), who works at a marketing firm, recently started training generative AI to "insert one mistake into a straightforward sentence" while generating presentation content. "My manager prohibited the use of AI, stating, 'Marketing demands originality,'” said A. “I deliberately include spelling errors to create the impression that I produced the material.” This method—referred to as ‘masking’—involves adding human-like imperfections to hide the fact that AI was used. Recently, The New York Times (NYT) highlighted how more college students across the United States are now asking for small errors, like incorrect subject-verb agreement, when utilizing AI for their coursework. The NYT observed, "It has technically become unfeasible to identify AI-generated work."
On the flip side, "AI detox" — which involves avoiding artificial intelligence at work because of worries about reduced skills — is becoming more common as well. B (38), a freelance journalist, stated, "I think relying on traditional techniques, where I reflect independently, helps keep my imagination alive, so I deliberately stay away from AI." Studies support these anxieties. A survey conducted by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) involving 70 individuals, such as high-level executives and senior managers across 12 company divisions, revealed that more than half reported witnessing reductions in employees' abilities caused by AI within their firms. Over 60% anticipate this issue will pose a significant challenge for leadership in three to five years.
The technology sector highlights the importance of having well-defined rules instead of completely banning or regulating artificial intelligence. BCG recommended, "In areas where creativity or moral decisions are needed, establish 'AI-prohibited regions' to prompt workers to utilize AI in methods that boost human abilities."