Why Are We Having a Forbidden Love Affair with Artificial Intelligence? | by Ilgin Cetinel | May, 2024

Have you ever noticed that no one admits to using AI? Maybe it’s because our AI helpers are just incredibly shy! In this piece, we’ll dive into the reasons behind our hush-hush relationship with artificial intelligence.

From the social stigma that equates using AI to having a ghostwriter for your life, to privacy fears that make people treat their AI like a secret diary.

We’ll explore why folks prefer to keep their digital genius under wraps, despite AI being as common as smartphones. Ready to uncover the mystery?

The Stigma of Artificial Assistance

Why are we treating our AI tools like they’re part of some underground movement? Well, for many, admitting to using AI feels a bit like confessing you had your mom do your homework.

There’s a real fear that shouting about your AI use is like admitting you can’t handle your daily tasks alone. In creative fields, the resistance is even stronger – nobody wants to admit their ‘original’ poem was co-authored by a robot! The irony? Everyone’s using these tools, but no one wants to be the first to break the silence.

It’s the classic case of, “I’ll show you mine if you show me yours.”

Privacy, Professional Perception, and Competitive Edge

Admitting to using AI? For some, that might as well be like walking into work wearing a ‘Kick Me’ sign.

There’s a genuine worry that if you let slip that your little digital friend helps with your emails, presentations, or market analyses, you might just end up on the professional naughty list. “Hey, isn’t that the person who can’t work without AI?”

Nobody wants that label!

On the privacy front, who wants to admit that their best ideas might be whispers from a software?

There’s also a sneaky suspicion that once you’re out as an AI user, your data might just go on a world tour without your permission. And let’s not forget the competitive edge keeping your AI use under wraps is like having a secret sauce.

Why would you share the recipe when it’s winning you all the accolades?

Conclusion: It’s Time to Open Up

From students to business professionals, it seems like everyone’s keeping their AI usage a secret. It’s almost as if admitting to AI use is the new taboo like confessing you still watch VHS tapes.

But here’s the kicker: this secrecy feeds into a broader societal narrative that equates personal or professional value with individual effort, overlooking how AI can be a tool for enhancing human capabilities rather than replacing them.

Isn’t it high time we stopped treating AI like that weird cousin we don’t talk about at family dinners?

Let’s start the conversation and normalize AI use. AI is like the bicycle for our brains, giving us the extra wheels we need to keep up with the pace of today’s world. Because, honestly, if we can brag about our smartwatches, surely we can admit our spreadsheets are a bit smarter too, right?

Have you ever hidden your use of AI? Why or why not? Let’s discuss in the comments below!