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Discussion Paper: The Symbiosis of Generative AI and Work

In recent years, AI applications for generating text, images, videos, and music have spread rapidly. In a new paper, WI researchers explore what this development means for the future of work and propose five theses on the relationship between generative AI and work.

Will generative AI (GKI) render humans superfluous, or will it serve as a tool to enhance human capabilities? What conditions are necessary for the meaningful use of AI, and how can we ensure that the benefits of a fairer working world prevail? These questions are explored in the discussion paper “The Symbiosis of Generative AI and Work: Expanding Horizons or Eroding Human Competence?” authored by WI researchers Florian Butollo, Christine Gerber, Esther Görnemann, Lea Greminger, Ann Katzinski, Marlene Kulla, Mareike Sirman-Winkler, and Justus Spott.

Based on theoretical considerations and initial empirical insights, the authors propose five theses: 1. despite technical breakthroughs, AI is not an equivalent to human intelligence; 2. AI becomes functional through human labor; 3. AI represents a new quality of interaction between humans and machines; 4. the introduction of AI creates work; 5. Generative AI necessitates new approaches to ensuring good work.

These assumptions also shape the foundational questions of the new research project “Generative Artificial Intelligence in the World of Work” (GENKIA), which empirically examines changes in work across programming, journalism, marketing, HR management, and public administration. GENKIA builds on the work of the Weizenbaum research group “Working with Artificial Intelligence” and is funded by the “Denkfabrik Digitale Arbeitsgesellschaft” of the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (BMAS).

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artificial&intelligent? is a series of interviews and articles on the latest applications of generative language models and image generators. Researchers at the Weizenbaum Institute discuss the societal impacts of these tools, add current studies and research findings to the debate, and contextualize widely discussed fears and expectations. In the spirit of Joseph Weizenbaum, the concept of Artificial Intelligence, is also called into question, unraveling the supposed omnipotence and authority of these systems. The AI pioneer and critic, who developed one of the first chatbots, is the namesake of out Institute.