Is using Ai cheating???
This is a question I received recently as I was facilitating a session for an upcoming graduating class.
Hmmm (think think think … is it??).
I do believe that the answer to this question is not yes or no – the answer everyone loves to hear is likely ‘it depends.’
This question isn’t just theoretical; it’s deeply practical and ethical, touching on how we envision the future of work.
One could ask … is using a calculator cheating? Is leveraging spell check or an editor cheating? How about using a GPS (remember Thomas Guides???)? While all are tools that have helped us expand how we use math or to stop confusing ‘your’ vs ‘you’re’ – these tools could also be considered cheating – but they have become so normalized, we really don’t even think about them anymore.
So what about AI?
AI, by its nature, is a tool designed to extend our capabilities, not diminish them. The core issue isn’t the technology itself, but how we choose to apply it. It invites us to consider not whether AI use is cheating, but how we can deploy AI responsibly to enhance, rather than replace, human intelligence (or as the tagline in my business (AixHR) helping HR leaders learn how to use Ai – elevate, not eliminate).
In the realm of human resources—a field at the heart of organizational culture and employee well-being—this conversation takes on added significance. AI has the potential to transform HR practices by automating routine tasks, providing insights through data analysis, and fostering more equitable hiring practices. Yet, its greatest value lies in augmenting the unique human qualities of empathy, ethical judgment, and interpersonal connection.
Adopting AI in HR should be approached with a commitment to transparency, ethical integrity, and a focus on supporting human talent. By doing so, we not only leverage the technological potential of AI but also reinforce the human values that define our workplaces.
In this context, our work—though not explicitly branded in every conversation—reflects a commitment to these principles. We believe in empowering HR professionals not just to use AI, but to integrate it in ways that enrich the human aspects of their work.
The debate around AI and cheating ultimately leads us to a deeper understanding of how we can use technology to create more humane, efficient, and equitable workplaces. It’s about steering the conversation towards responsible use, where AI serves as a complement to human skills, not a competitor.