Are You Being Judged for Using AI at Work? A New Study Reveals the Truth

Despite the growing popularity of AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot in boosting workplace productivity, a recent study suggests there’s still a stigma attached to using them.

Key Insights from a Duke University Study
Researchers at Duke University conducted a series of experiments involving over 4,400 participants to explore how employees perceive AI usage in professional settings. The findings, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, reveal some surprising social dynamics.

What They Discovered:

Negative Perceptions Prevail: Employees who rely on AI tools are often viewed as less intelligent, less hardworking, and even lazy by their peers.

Self-Judgment is Real: Participants who imagined using AI themselves expected to be seen as incompetent or replaceable.

Hiring Bias Exists: In hiring scenarios, candidates who admitted using AI tools were rated lower — unless the hiring manager had personal experience with AI.

Context Matters: When AI use was shown to be appropriate and productive, the negative judgment dropped significantly.

Experience Changes Everything: Those familiar with AI were far more accepting of its use in others.

 
This research highlights a crucial challenge in modern workplaces: the social bias against AI users. Even with clear productivity benefits, AI adoption may slow down unless company culture evolves to support it.

 Takeaway for Professionals:
If you’re using AI tools, it’s essential to communicate their value clearly. Building awareness and normalizing AI usage across teams may help shift perceptions and drive broader adoption.