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Applauding apparent AI slop in the workplace, as if it is a genuine reflection of someone’s competence, hard work and thoughts, is pretty painful to witness. The corporate version of seeing cracks in a dam.
It strongly encourages simulated thinking. Probably one of the last things you want when building a long-term, robust company.
Assuming everyone is on the same page in thinking, ”well, this is clearly AI slop, nobody is actually passing this off as their own” can be catastrophic.
Soon, you won’t be able to realize the ”real” work from AI slop and the dishonest / apathetic bunch will take advantage. This will erode morale of competent team members.
At that point, it may be too late for your company.
What can you do? Make stating the reason it was used a cultural norm at your company.
As the author, I’d recommend posting something to the effect of, “This is clearly AI generated, but it was used to achieve [xyz]”
As the reader, a blunt inquiry similar to the above statement. Something like, “What was the purpose of producing this work with AI”? Or, for the snarky folks, just replying, “🤖”.
I'm seeing more obviously AI-generated graphics in the neighborhood, too — people who advertise their yard sale or block party with ChatGPT graphics. To my eye, these would be better served by the traditional media of marker-on-cardboard; at least if part of what is to be conveyed is "we are your neighbors, not a SaaS company or something."
What do you see people using AI for at work that doesn't have a purpose? I see a lot of AI generated code and communication where I work. Not all of it is a good idea, but it's usually obvious what the purpose is (making a new feature, communicating something).