Science & Tech · AI · 1 hr ago
AI use may boost perceived expertise but weaken trust among coworkers
Researchers surveyed 1,033 full-time US office workers who belonged to project teams across more than 20 industries.
They found that workers who used AI more, or saw their teams use it more, were more likely to believe coworkers had unique expertise.
But workers who turned to AI instead of asking colleagues reported lower trust and weaker coordination.
One interviewed consultant said AI made work easier but led to less conversation and collaboration with coworkers.
The researchers say teams need shared knowledge of who knows what to coordinate well, and AI use may weaken that understanding.
They found that daily contact, including messages and email, was linked to 28% higher coordination and 19% higher trust even among frequent AI users.
They recommend regular communication to help teams use AI while maintaining connections between colleagues.
A study of 1,033 full-time office workers in the United States found that greater use of AI was linked to stronger perceptions of coworkers’ expertise but weaker trust and coordination.
Workers who used AI instead of consulting colleagues reported greater deterioration in mutual trust and team coordination.
The researchers said frequent communication can help limit these effects.
Among frequent AI users, daily team contact was associated with 28% higher coordination and 19% higher trust.
The study’s authors said the effects may depend on how teams integrate AI.
- Who
- Researchers in psychology and communication surveyed 1,033 full-time office workers in the United States.
- What
- The study examined how AI use relates to coworkers’ perceived expertise, trust and team coordination.
- When
- The article was published on 22 October 2026. The study interview dates are not stated.
- Where
- The surveyed workers were in the United States and belonged to project teams across more than 20 industries.
- Why
- The researchers wanted to understand how adding AI to a team affects workplace relationships.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
- Survey participants
- 1,033 full-time office workers in the United States
- Team coverage
- Project teams in more than 20 industries
- Daily team contact
- Associated with 28% higher coordination among frequent AI users
- Daily team contact
- Associated with 19% higher trust among frequent AI users
What people are saying
AI made my work easier, so I can focus more on working alone. However, that means I talk and collaborate less with my colleagues, which sometimes makes teamwork feel disconnected and affects the building of trust and understanding between us.