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74% of workers ask AI questions instead of colleagues - with potentially serious consequences

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Why This Matters

The increasing reliance on AI for workplace inquiries is reshaping communication dynamics, potentially leading to reduced human interaction and feelings of isolation among employees. While AI offers efficiency and support, it also raises concerns about diminished collaboration and emotional connection in professional environments, impacting both industry culture and worker well-being.

Key Takeaways

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ZDNET's key takeaways

AI could be replacing certain workplace interactions.

Researchers worry that talking less to coworkers could make us lonelier.

AI can also be used to encourage interactions.

When Maria Goyal has a question, her coworkers typically meet her with one answer: Ask Claude.

The 25-year-old works at a marketing agency in Colorado. In the year she's been there, she's witnessed a creep where AI has become more ingrained into every aspect of the work, and this shift makes her feel isolated and self-conscious about turning to one of her more experienced coworkers for help or to brainstorm ideas.

"It prevents me from like learning more in depth rather than just having like a robot do it for me," she told ZDNET over the phone.

Goyal isn't the only one who feels like AI is inhibiting human interaction at work. A handful of recent studies show that AI is changing how people communicate at work, and often replacing everyday exchanges.

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