What to Do When Your Coworker's AI Responses Are Cringeworthy

The rise of generative AI in the workplace presents a new kind of challenge: what do you do when a colleague relies on it too heavily, producing low-quality, user-facing content? This issue arises when a team member uses unedited AI responses, complete with a generic, pandering tone and formatting quirks, making the company appear unprofessional and lazy.

The Core Problem: "AI Slop" in a Professional Setting

The frustration stems from seeing a coworker send out what can only be described as "AI slop" to users. These responses often lack a human touch, sound inauthentic, and may not even be fully edited to remove AI-specific artifacts. This not only reflects poorly on the individual but on the entire team and company, potentially eroding user trust and making authentic interactions feel devalued.

Strategic Approaches to a Delicate Situation

There is no one-size-fits-all solution, but several strategies were proposed, each with its own level of risk and effectiveness.

1. The Direct Approach

One option is to address the issue head-on. This involves:

• A Private Conversation: Speak with your coworker one-on-one. The goal is to understand their perspective. They may be under pressure, unaware of the poor quality, or even acting under instructions from management. Approach the conversation with curiosity, not accusation.
• Escalation as a Last Resort: If the private chat yields no change and you feel strongly about the issue, the next step could be to involve their manager. This is a high-risk move that can damage your working relationship and your own standing in the company. It should be considered carefully.

2. The Indirect Inquiry

For a less confrontational method, you can investigate the company's official stance on AI. This avoids singling out your coworker and instead focuses on policy.

• Ask About Company Standards: Pose questions to your manager or the appropriate department, such as, “I'm interested in using AI in my workflow. What are our company standards and expectations around its use for user communication?” or “Is there a style guide for editing AI-generated text?”
• Gauge the Reaction: The response will tell you a lot. If management is enthusiastic about unedited AI, you know you are out of alignment with the company's values. If they are concerned, it opens a door for a broader, less personal discussion.

3. The Counter-Argument: Is It Really a Problem?

An important counterpoint is to question whether this is a problem that needs solving. If users are receiving answers to their questions and are not complaining, perhaps the use of AI is effective, even if it's not elegant. It's possible to be outraged on behalf of users who may not know or care about the source of their answer, as long as it's accurate and timely.