If You Are Asking for Human Attention, Demonstrate Human Effort

The proliferation of AI-generated content in professional environments, from code to documentation, presents a modern quandary regarding its proper integration into team communications. As AI tools become increasingly sophisticated and accessible, a new form of digital etiquette is emerging, centered on how individuals should responsibly share AI outputs with their human colleagues. The author tackles this burgeoning issue head-on, proposing a guiding principle to navigate these new professional waters.

• The article acknowledges that while AI can produce genuinely useful output, the continuous consumption of unrefined AI text can lead to significant 'AI fatigue' among human readers.
• The author illustrates this point with a personal anecdote: a teammate forwarded an AI critique of a design, explicitly stating they hadn't read it, leading to the author's frustration over having their time devalued.
• This experience led to the adoption of a core principle: 'If you are requesting human attention, demonstrate human effort.'
• Practical applications of this principle include clearly labeling AI-generated content, accompanying it with personal commentary or insights, and always reviewing AI-produced code before submitting it for human review.
• The piece concludes by highlighting that human attention was already a scarce resource before AI, and demonstrating human effort not only shows consideration for teammates but also helps preserve a vital human element in collaborative work.

Ultimately, the article advocates for a mindful approach to integrating AI into team workflows, emphasizing that showing respect for colleagues' time and mental energy through active human involvement is crucial. By adhering to this principle, professionals can leverage AI's benefits without contributing to 'AI fatigue,' fostering more considerate and effective communication in the AI-augmented workplace.