Artificial intelligence is now an essential tool across many areas, from simplifying your workday to offering meal ideas. However, a recent study at Brigham Young University shows that many people hesitate to use it—not because of fears over job losses or a robot uprising, but due to concerns about trust, ethics, and the absence of a human touch.
Professor Jacob Steffen from BYU’s Marriott School of Business puts it plainly: “When people actively choose not to use something, there’s a lot of thought behind it.” Along with Professor Taylor Wells, he uncovered these reservations through two linked surveys. First, participants recounted occasions when they steered clear of generative AI. Their responses then helped shape a follow-up survey asking how likely they were to use or avoid the technology in specific contexts.
The research highlights four main worries: the quality of AI-generated outputs, ethical dilemmas, safety and privacy risks, and the loss of genuine human connection. These concerns echo findings from an April survey by the Pew Research Centre, which noted that 66% of adults and 70% of AI experts are uneasy about inaccurate AI information, while 57% of the public express worry about reduced human interaction compared to 37% among professionals.
The study covers a spectrum of uses, from academic assignments and creative projects like poetry and art, to big decisions in finance and healthcare. Professor Wells warns, “If you rely on generative AI for all your assignments, you might finish quickly, but you miss out on learning.” His insight underlines the importance of balancing AI’s efficiency with the benefits of genuine engagement.
Drawing a practical parallel, Professor Steffen compares AI to a hammer—extremely useful when applied correctly but potentially counterproductive if misused. He hopes the findings will help both enthusiasts and sceptics make informed choices about integrating AI into their work. “It’s crucial to understand why you’re creating something,” he advises, prompting us to weigh whether AI genuinely serves our learning, efficiency, or creative goals.
