AI Assistance in Message Crafting May Negatively Impact Relationship Satisfaction
According to recent research, utilizing AI tools for composing messages to friends can have detrimental effects on relationship satisfaction, particularly if the friend becomes aware of the AI’s involvement. The study revealed that participants perceived a fictional friend who used AI for message crafting as less sincere in their efforts compared to one who manually crafted their message. This perception not only affected their view of the message content but also had broader implications for the overall relationship.
Bingjie Liu, the study’s principal author and an assistant professor of communication at The Ohio State University, explained that receiving an AI-assisted message led people to feel less satisfied with their relationship with their friend and more uncertain about where they stood. However, it’s worth noting that the negative effects were also observed when participants learned that their friend sought help from another person to write the message. Ultimately, people prefer their partners or friends to invest personal effort in crafting messages without any external assistance, whether from AI or another individual.
The study involved 208 adults who participated online. They were instructed to write a short message to a friend named Taylor, describing their current situation in various scenarios. Subsequently, participants were informed that Taylor had sent them a reply. However, the study manipulated the source of assistance that Taylor received for revising the message. Some participants were told Taylor used an AI system to achieve the proper tone, while others were informed that a member of a writing community helped with revisions. The remaining participants were informed that Taylor made all edits independently.
The findings showed that participants had different perceptions of the message they received from Taylor, depending on the type of assistance involved. Those who received an AI-aided reply rated Taylor’s actions as less appropriate and more improper compared to those who received a message solely crafted by Taylor. Moreover, AI-assisted replies led to lower satisfaction ratings for the relationship and increased uncertainty about Taylor’s friendship.
Researchers speculated that people may view the use of AI or another person to aid message crafting as inappropriate and inferior to human efforts. However, the study found that participants responded negatively even when another person, rather than AI, helped Taylor with the message. The underlying reason appeared to be the perception that Taylor invested less effort in the relationship by seeking external assistance.
As AI chatbots such as ChatGPT gain popularity, issues surrounding their utilization will become more pertinent and complex, stated Liu. While individuals may not openly confess to using AI assistance, the prevalence of such technology may lead people to unconsciously scrutinize the authenticity of their received messages, potentially damaging relationships.
Liu emphasized the importance of sincerity and authenticity in relationships, urging individuals not to rely on technology solely for convenience. The study’s results highlight the significance of personal effort in maintaining relationships, as shortcuts through AI or external assistance can negatively impact relationship satisfaction.
In an era where technology increasingly pervades our interactions, this research serves as a reminder that genuine human connection and personal investment have an enduring role in fostering strong relationships.
