AI Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts For Navigating AI Responsibly
Throughout the years, etiquette has evolved from the days of carriages and calling cards to mastering a meal at a job interview or making a positive impression on your new mother-in-law. Never more than today do we need a mannerly update when it comes to navigating the age of technology and AI etiquette.
Inspired by a recent appearance on CBS New York covering Modern Manners in the Age of AI, we’re sharing some do’s and don’ts below. As always, tailor your approach based on your industry, the relationship you share, and any relevant guidelines or policies.
Do Credit the Proper Resource
Just like you would when you are citing an expert or quoting a source, if using AI to create a professional PowerPoint, turning in an important document, or creating marketing material for a client, if it’s not original, give credit to the proper source.
Do Edit
If you use AI for research or to help you fine-tune your thoughts, you can find great value in the help (when appropriate). Just make sure to edit and personalize the final draft with your own language and tone of voice.
Do Double Check the Information
Verify the information and double-check the sources before accepting information AI presents as fact. Lizzie Short for Harvard’s Professional & Executive Development reminds us: “While the uses of AI tools can seem unlimited, it’s critical that their expertise does not go unquestioned; AI tools are only as reliable as the data they’re trained on — and the people who build them.”
There was also a cautionary TIME article about AI being capable of deceit (worth a read).
Do Respect Privacy and Confidentiality
Steer clear of sharing sensitive, personal, or proprietary information in AI tools. Exercise caution and restrain from sharing what isn’t yours, such as client information or private conversations.
Don’t Bait and Switch
Completing a dating profile and using images that misrepresent you or your life is a red flag. While it’s fine to use AI to edit for grammar or to get ideas to spin into your own words, allowing AI to create a completely different version of you will definitely backfire. Using photos, background images, clothing, and other filters can be damaging when the other person finds out it’s not really you.
Don’t Forget to Remove the Emojis
Remember to edit and adjust AI responses so they are more true to your thoughts and your voice. The extra emojis and specific formatting can take away from the message you’re hoping to convey. This is especially true if you tend to avoid extra emotion when texting or emailing.
Don’t Copy and Paste
Serious conversations should take place in person, such as a heartfelt apology, a possible break-up, or a sincere thank you. AI can be of assistance when organizing your thoughts, looking for help with a considerate message that can be turned into your own words and natural tone. A copy-and-paste version is cold and insincere.
You may also like our AI Etiquette segment on Fox 7 Austin.
For more information about working with Diane, America’s “Go To” social and professional etiquette authority, please visit The Protocol School of Texas.
See what Diane is up to by following her on Instagram and Facebook and find etiquette inspiration on her Pinterest account. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips, refer to her posts on Inc. and HuffPost.
