Should I Feel Guilty for Using AI at Work?
Answer is NO.
When I was a kid, my uncle worked at State Bank of India — right when computers were shaking up the banking world. By 2001, SBI had gone full tech mode, replacing ledgers and typewriters with computers. Panic set in. Some employees adapted and thrived; my uncle? He took voluntary retirement, unwilling to make the leap. Right decision or missed opportunity? Let’s talk.
Flash forward to today, and we’re in another tech revolution — this time with AI. But instead of fear, many of us feel guilt. Should we? Is using AI at work a shortcut or just the next evolution? Let’s break it down.
The Fear of Replacement
Back in the ’90s, when computers hit Indian banks, 30% of employees took early retirement, scared they’d be replaced. But guess what? Tech doesn’t replace people — it replaces inefficiency.
Fast forward to today, and AI tools like ChatGPT are doing the same — not stealing jobs, but supercharging them. A 2023 McKinsey report found that 70% of companies use AI to automate the boring stuff, letting employees focus on real impact.
For product managers, that means fewer hours spent drafting user stories, competitor analysis, or brainstorming features — and more time for strategy, creativity, and growth. 🚀
The Ethics of AI Use
People feel guilty using AI because it seems “inauthentic.” But let’s be real — we’ve always used tools to work smarter. Calculators didn’t kill math skills, they sped up problem-solving. Spell-check didn’t ruin writing, it saved us from embarrassing typos.
The real question isn’t whether to use AI, but how to use it. Are you plagiarizing or misrepresenting your work? Or are you brainstorming, refining, and leveling up?
For product managers, this hits home. A 2022 Product School survey found 62% of PMs use AI to streamline workflows, but only 18% felt comfortable admitting it.
The solution? Transparency. If AI helps draft a PRD, own it, refine it, and align it with your team’s vision. This isn’t cheating — it’s working smarter.
The Learning Curve
When computers hit banks, employees had two choices: adapt or fall behind. Those who embraced change thrived. AI is no different.
A 2023 LinkedIn report shows AI skills are skyrocketing — up 21% YoY. For product managers, this isn’t a threat — it’s a golden opportunity to upskill.
Master AI tools, know their strengths, and use them wisely. ChatGPT can analyze thousands of user surveys in seconds — a task that would take hours manually.
Stay ahead, drive efficiency, and lead innovation. The PMs who leverage AI today will be the ones in demand tomorrow.
The Human Touch
AI replacing human creativity and empathy? Not a chance. It can’t build relationships, read emotions, or make tough judgment calls — that’s what makes humans invaluable.
As a product manager, you’re the bridge between tech and people. Sure, ChatGPT can draft a roadmap, but only you can prioritize based on user needs, business goals, and tech constraints.
A 2021 Pendo study found 84% of PMs say empathy is their most critical skill — something AI can’t fake.
AI is a tool. Your human edge is what makes the difference.
The Bigger Picture
When my uncle’s bank adopted computers, it wasn’t just about efficiency — it was about survival. AI is no different. Companies that embrace it win; those that resist fall behind.
A 2023 Gartner report predicts that by 2025, 80% of enterprises will have AI woven into their workflows. Using AI at work isn’t just smart — it’s keeping your company competitive.
For product managers, this means faster decisions, better products, and delivering value at lightning speed. Adapt, or get left behind.
So, Should You Feel Guilty?
Absolutely NOT. AI isn’t a threat — it’s a power-up. Just like computers reshaped banking in the ’90s, AI is revolutionizing work today.
The real question isn’t whether to use AI, but how to use it wisely. Master the tools, embrace the change, and double down on what makes you irreplaceable — creativity, empathy, and judgment.
So next time you fire up ChatGPT at work, ditch the guilt. You’re not just keeping up — you’re leading the charge. And as a product manager, that’s exactly what you’re meant to do.
