AI Is Generating “Workslop”

AI is proving not to be the “be-all, end-all” solution it was hoped to be. Quality of output from AI systems varies, often requiring human correction. Low-quality AI-generated output is now called “workslop.” Whereas it was initially unacceptable, it is now becoming more acceptable – and is even overlooked if deadlines are met, according to 21% of surveyed employees. Beyond that, 9% of employees surveyed said that workslop is “completely acceptable” as long as deadlines are met, with speed being the top priority in those cases. On the other side of the coin, 39% of employees say workslop is completely unacceptable; an additional 31% say it is “somewhat unacceptable but tolerated.”  

Overall, the estimate is that approximately 40% of productivity gains from AI are being lost to rework or low quality. Additional fallout can include missed errors and damage to the company’s reputation for quality.