AI systems such as ChatGPT and the like can be helpful at work. However, a study now shows when you should refrain from using artificial intelligence at work.
Since the release of ChatGPT, developments in AI systems have literally gone through the roof. As a result, more and more such systems are finding their way into everyday working life.
They can certainly be helpful if, for example, you can’t think of a suitable phrase straight away. But should AI systems really be used in all areas of the working world? A study comes to the opposite conclusion.
ChatGPT and co. at work
There is probably no question that artificial intelligence will turn the world of work as we know it upside down. What exactly these changes will look like, however, is still written in the stars.
AI systems such as ChatGPT and the like are already being used in many places – including at work. But in which areas should AI systems actually be used?
The study “How People Can Create – and Destroy – Value with Generative AI” addressed this question. The study, led by François Candelon from the Boston Consulting Group, looked at the added value that people can create and destroy with generative AI.
To do this, Candelon conducted an experiment with his own employees. The manager explained to the Wall Street Journal that he wanted to use this study to find out how humans and AI can work together to create added value for a company.
How the experiment was set up
Candelon involved more than 750 employees in its AI experiment. They were asked to complete various tasks using GPT-4 from OpenAI.
All tasks revolved around “creative product innovation”. Among other things, the participants had to plan a successful launch in social networks.
When should you avoid using ChatGPT at work?
In general, the employees who used the AI system for their tasks performed significantly better than their colleagues without AI help. According to the study, participants were able to achieve a 40 percent higher level of performance.
However, this does not apply to all areas. In tasks in which problems had to be solved, the study participants with AI support performed 23 percent worse.
As AI systems also deliver a “relatively uniform output”, the diversity of ideas in a group can decrease by 41 percent. Nevertheless, Candelon sees the use of artificial intelligence as inevitable.
“There is this famous quote that says that humans will not be replaced by AI. It will be replaced by people using AI,” he explains to the WSJ. People would have to rethink their current work processes for this.
