BUSINESS University of Arizona / Modified jun 3, 2025 10:55 a.m.

University of Arizona study looks at workplace reaction to artificial intelligence

Researchers found that being honest about using AI at work makes people trust you less.

Eller College of Management front hero A study by University of Arizona researchers says admitting to using artificial intelligence for work tasks erodes trust. Pictured: Eller College of Management at The University of Arizona
Courtesy Eller College of Management

A study by University of Arizona researchers looked at how people perceive the work of others when they discover they used artificial intelligence to complete their tasks.

Martin Reimann with the UA Eller College of Management says being honest about using AI at work erodes trust.

“Whenever AI users disclose their usage to other people, then trust that is placed in them goes down," he said.

Reimann explains when someone confesses their writing, thinking, and innovating was assisted by artificial intelligence, the work seems less legitimate..

“Lower perceived commitment, people think they are just making their lives easy, they may be lazy, then the work is perceived to be inauthentic, not human.".

The study found matters got even worse when a third party revealed the use of AI assistance. Data showed trust drops even further if somebody else exposes you by using an AI detector or finds out about it in another way.

The study was published in the research journal The Conversation.

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