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A recent study reveals that 41% of Gen Z prefers to seek answers from AI rather than consulting leaders and mentors
This trend has raised concerns about communication and trust in the workplace, especially considering the criticism this generation receives from business leaders and older professionals.
The research, conducted by the AI company Pearl in partnership with Censuswide, investigated the willingness of Americans to seek answers in artificial intelligence instead of resorting to people.
The central question was whether technology could help Gen Z address the apathy and disengagement they feel in the workplace, or whether it would only exacerbate these problems.
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The preference for artificial intelligence
The data shows that only 28% of Americans feel more comfortable discussing issues at work with their managers than with the IA.
Furthermore, Generation Z stands out as the most likely to rely on artificial intelligence in the professional environment. 41% of Gen Z youth trust AI more than humans as mentors, while only 26% claim the opposite and 31% remain undecided.
Other data from the study corroborate this worrying trend:
50% of Generation Z prefer to turn to AI to solve problems at work, compared to just a third of Boomers.
Young people use AI, on average, 12 times per week, while the Generation X do it 7 times and the Boomers only 4 times.
83% of Generation Z report feeling anxious when having to ask a question in person or online, the highest rate among all generations.
These numbers highlight a significant change in work dynamics, where technology not only complements, but in many cases, replaces human interaction.
Generation Z grew up in a digital environment, where technology is an integral part of their lives, which may explain this preference for AI.
Consequences of AI dependence
The preference for AI over human interactions can prevent direct communication with managers, which can lead to communication and teamwork problems. Andy Kurtzig,
CEO of Pearl warns that this dependence can negatively impact confidence in the workplace, in addition to generating difficulties in other areas of young people's lives, such as financial planning and mental health.
Kurtzig points out that over-reliance on AI is worrying and can lead to significant errors.
A survey of the Purdue University revealed that the Chat GPT made mistakes in 52% of responses to programming questions, highlighting the risks of blindly trusting automated systems.
These errors can have serious implications, especially in fields that require precision, such as engineering and medicine.
Additionally, increased reliance on AI may result in a phenomenon known as “social detachment,” where young people feel increasingly less comfortable with face-to-face interactions.
A lack of interpersonal skills can hinder the development of professional relationships and, consequently, career advancement.
How to use AI effectively at work
Although the artificial intelligence While AI is a powerful tool, it should not replace human judgment. Kurtzig suggests that companies and professionals strike a balance between the use of AI and human interaction.
Here are three tips to help young people use AI effectively in their careers:
1 º Recognizing the presence of AI at work: Many tasks already use artificial intelligence. Companies should establish clear guidelines for its use to maximize benefits and minimize risks. This may include training on how to use AI responsibly and effectively.
2 º Explaining the dangers of AI: Professionals must be aware of the limitations of AI, including the potential for inaccurate responses and the risks associated with sharing confidential information. It is crucial that companies foster a culture of transparency about how data is used and stored.
3 º Clearly define where AI can be applied: Tasks such as proofreading, brainstorming, and summarizing can benefit from AI. However, strategic decisions and customer interactions should always be overseen by humans. Companies should foster an environment where AI is seen as a supporting tool, not a replacement.
Implications of Gen Z’s Trust in AI
Generation Z’s growing reliance on artificial intelligence in the workplace raises important questions about the dynamics of communication and trust in professional relationships.
As technology advances, it is crucial that this generation learns to balance the use of AI with the development of interpersonal and communication skills, thus ensuring a more solid and harmonious professional future.
Generation Z's relationship with artificial intelligence is a reflection of the evolution of technology and how it shapes human interactions.
It is essential that leaders and organizations understand these dynamics and adapt their approaches to foster a work environment that values both technological innovation and human skills, thus creating a space where everyone can thrive.
SOURCE: FORBES
