Professionals feel disrespected when clients fact-check them with AI, study says

2026-05-11 · Source: Dataconomy · Field: Business & Management — Human Resources & Workforce Development, Consulting & Professional Services · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, quick

Summary

A study by Monash Business School, published in "Computers in Human Behaviour," reveals that professionals feel disrespected when clients use AI tools like ChatGPT to fact-check their expertise. This practice significantly diminishes professionals' motivation to engage with clients, even with minimal AI use for background information. Lead author Associate Professor Gerri Spassova notes that advisors perceive AI as inferior, making it insulting to be categorized with an AI system. The research found a decline in advisors' willingness to work with clients who consult AI, as these clients are often seen as less competent and trustworthy. This dynamic causes professionals to question their own value as AI technology advances.

Key takeaway

For professionals in fields like healthcare or legal services, your expertise is valued, but client AI consultations can undermine trust. You should consider advising clients to keep their AI tool usage private, especially in new relationships, to preserve the professional dynamic and avoid questioning your own human contribution. This approach helps maintain boundaries until industry norms around AI evolve.

Key insights

Professionals feel disrespected when clients use AI to fact-check their expertise, diminishing engagement and trust.

Principles

• AI perceived as inferior to human expertise.
• Open AI consultation erodes client-advisor trust.

In practice

• Clients should avoid disclosing AI consultations.
• Professionals should maintain boundaries on AI discussions.

Topics

• AI Fact-Checking
• Professional Disrespect
• Advisor-Client Relationships
• AI Consultations
• Trust Issues

Best for: Executive, AI Product Manager, Product Manager, Consultant, HR Professional, Director of AI/ML

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by Dataconomy.