The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace may open up new opportunities, but recent studies show that it also exacerbates gender biases. Researchers from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Peking University found that women who use AI tools are often rated as less competent than men doing the same job.
The study was conducted at a global technology company, where employees were encouraged to use generative AI tools. However, it turned out that only 31% of female engineers use them, compared to 41% of men. Analysis of the comments revealed that even for the same code, when it was assumed to have been written with the help of AI, women were rated more harshly. In the case of women, the “competence penalty” was as high as 13%, while for men, it was approximately 6%.
This phenomenon is not limited to the use of AI; Previous studies have shown that women are often rated lower on the criteria of “ability” or “potential” for the same results. Even with high scores, women are usually less likely to receive promotions or incentives. Experts note that this situation can discourage women from using innovative tools and suggest solutions, including evaluating only the results of work, using anonymous (blind) assessment methods if possible, and setting clear criteria that exclude the influence of subjective opinions.
