Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have fundamentally changed how we interact with technology. What was once confined to simple searches or routine automation has evolved into generative AI systems capable of performing tasks we once thought only people could do and of adding value in areas requiring social intelligence. Rather than fearing AI as a threat, however, the challenge lies in learning how to leverage it effectively through a process of human-AI co-creation.
A study led by Professor Jasmijn Bol from Tulane University in the USA investigated how generative AI performs in more complex situations, where factors such as tone, nuance, and emotional intelligence are crucial. The team conducted a series of experiments comparing human performance with AI support to human performance without AI support and explored different ways of integrating AI into complex tasks. The study concentrated on two primary co-creation approaches - AI as the initiator and AI as the feedback provider.
The findings indicate that feedback-based AI-human co-creation is particularly well-suited for ongoing, high-stakes tasks critical to organizational success but that for tasks not central to the organisation’s core operations, such as drafting a one-off email or preparing routine internal communication, it is advisable to let AI serve as the initiator
The study supports the view that effectively integrating AI into workflows is essential for organisational success in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape and underscores a key risk: generative AI, if not carefully managed, may inadvertently encourage complacency by reducing engagement in critical and analytical thinking processes.