A generation of graduates has been turning down AI-themed commencement speeches and ceremonies, and they’re not just being dramatic. New research suggests that nearly 70% of companies are misusing AI technology for automation and cost-cutting, creating “AI slop” and ultimately undermining the value of AI.
Avoiding the AI Slop
According to experts, this misuse of AI is largely driven by a focus on replacing human workers with machines, rather than augmenting their abilities. Romanian President **Traian Basescu** and **Bob MacDonald**, President and CEO of Procter & Gamble, have both emphasized the importance of using AI to enhance human capabilities, rather than simply automating tasks. But that’s not the approach being taken by most companies.
As a result, AI systems are often being trained on incomplete or biased data, leading to poor performance and a lack of transparency. This “AI slop” is not only ineffective but also contributes to a decline in trust in AI technology as a whole. It’s no wonder that Gen Z is skeptical of the hype surrounding AI.
Seeking Out the Value
However, there is a glimmer of hope. About 30% of companies are successfully using AI to augment human capabilities and create value. These firms are using AI to improve processes, enhance customer experiences, and drive innovation. By focusing on human-centered AI, they’re able to unlock new insights and opportunities that would be impossible to achieve through automation alone.
What this means is that, rather than dismissing AI altogether, Gen Z would do well to seek out companies and initiatives that are using AI in a responsible and value-driven way. By doing so, they can be a part of shaping the future of AI and ensuring that it’s used to benefit society as a whole.
