Please, let's stop referring to AI as our co-workers

Generative AI is evolving in various forms, but the trend lately is to give it human names and personalities to make it more relatable. This tactic aims to build trust quickly and lessen the fear of AI replacing human jobs. However, this approach is dehumanizing and accelerating.

The Rise of AI “Employees”

Startups, especially those from accelerators like Y Combinator, are marketing AI as staff rather than software. They offer AI assistants, coders, and employees, targeting overwhelmed hiring managers who see AI as replacements rather than tools. This shift in language is meant to ease the adoption of AI in the workplace.

Consumer-Facing AI

Consumer-facing startups are also adopting this strategy by giving their AI platforms friendly names like “Claude.” This approach is borrowed from the fintech industry, where apps with personified names are more appealing to users. The goal is to establish trust and familiarity with the AI system.

The Future of Generative AI

As generative AI becomes more prevalent, the impact on the job market is becoming increasingly evident. With millions of Americans facing unemployment, the role of AI in displacing workers is a growing concern. Companies need to be mindful of how they market AI tools and focus on empowering humans rather than replacing them with AI “employees.” The key is to provide tools that enhance human potential and productivity, rather than creating artificial workers. Let’s shift the conversation towards tools that help individuals and businesses thrive in a competitive landscape.