How AI Damages Work Relationships--and Where It Can Actually Help.

The article examines how the use of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly generative AI (gen AI), affects workplace relationships by outsourcing interpersonal interactions that traditionally build trust and connection. It highlights concerns such as increased cognitive load, erosion of trust, creation of inefficient "workslop," loss of productive friction, and potential declines in civility and conflict-resolution skills. While AI can enhance productivity and assist with transactional tasks or coaching for difficult conversations, the article emphasizes the importance of transparency about AI use and recommends reserving AI for transactional interactions rather than relationship-building. It advocates using AI as a tool to support, not replace, genuine human connection in professional settings. [Extracted from the article]