Artificial Intelligence (AI) is like that shiny new tool you’ve been waiting for—it can transform your business, automate mundane tasks, and make you look like a genius at the next board meeting. But here’s the catch: just because you can automate something with AI doesn’t mean you should. Trust us, as AI developers, we’ve seen some things—some very questionable things.
So, before you get too excited about automating every part of your business, here’s a list of what never to automate with AI. Seriously, don’t do it. We’re looking at you, ambitious business managers.
1. Moral and Ethical Decisions
Why It’s a Terrible Idea
AI can crunch numbers, but it has zero morals. None. Zilch. It doesn’t understand right from wrong, and if you let it make ethical decisions, you might end up in the headlines—for all the wrong reasons.
Example: “AI decides employee layoffs based on productivity scores.” Sure, that sounds efficient, but it might also “efficiently” ruin lives and your company’s reputation.
Ironic Note: Because who needs ethics when you’ve got a shiny AI algorithm, right?
2. Jobs That Need Empathy
Why It’s a Terrible Idea
AI is great at pretending to care (“I understand your frustration”), but it doesn’t actually care. Empathy can’t be programmed, no matter how many lines of code you write.
Example: Imagine a chatbot delivering condolences to a grieving employee. “We’re sorry for your loss. How can we help you be 15% more productive?” Yeah, no.
Ironic Note: Nothing screams “we value our people” like a robotic, empathy-free response.
3. Personal Customer Interactions
Why It’s a Terrible Idea
AI can handle FAQs and basic tasks, but when a high-value client is angry or confused, do you really want a chatbot fumbling through a script?
Example: “We value your $10 million account. Please press 1 for ‘I’m furious’ or 2 for ‘I’m extremely furious.’” Not a great look.
Ironic Note: Because customers love feeling like just another ticket in the system, right?
4. Parenting and Childcare
Why It’s a Terrible Idea
We get it—kids are a handful. But automating their care with AI? Not the best idea unless you want them calling Alexa “Mom” and growing up with zero human connection.
Example: “Don’t worry, the AI nanny will teach your kid empathy while you’re in that meeting.” Spoiler: It won’t.
Ironic Note: Nothing says “family values” like outsourcing bedtime stories to a robot.
5. Creative Direction
Why It’s a Terrible Idea
AI can generate ideas, but it can’t tell you why something resonates with your audience or aligns with your brand. Letting AI run your creative campaigns might lead to… interesting results.
Example: “Let’s trust AI to create our next Super Bowl ad.” Congratulations, you now have a talking pineapple selling life insurance.
Ironic Note: Who needs brand identity when you have random AI-generated chaos?
6. Security Decisions
Why It’s a Terrible Idea
Sure, AI can detect threats, but automating all security decisions? That’s a recipe for disaster. AI might flag the intern who forgot their password 10 times as a cybercriminal while letting an actual hacker walk right in.
Example: “AI locked all employees out of the system because it detected ‘suspicious activity.’” Great job, robot. Productivity is now at zero.
Ironic Note: Because nothing boosts employee morale like being flagged as a security threat.
7. Layoffs and Hiring Decisions
Why It’s a Terrible Idea
AI can analyze performance metrics, but it doesn’t know who secretly runs the office or brings in donuts every Friday. Automating layoffs based on numbers alone? Cue the angry LinkedIn posts.
Example: “AI decided to fire Susan, the only one who knows how to fix the printer.” Now you’re left with broken printers and broken morale.
Ironic Note: But hey, at least it saved you from making an uncomfortable decision, right?
8. Cultural Sensitivities
Why It’s a Terrible Idea
AI doesn’t “get” culture. What’s funny in one place might be offensive in another, and AI won’t know the difference.
Example: “AI suggested a campaign that was a hit in the U.S. but an absolute disaster in Japan.” Congratulations, your brand is now trending—for all the wrong reasons.
Ironic Note: Who needs cultural consultants when you have AI to offend entire regions?
9. High-Stakes Healthcare Decisions
Why It’s a Terrible Idea
AI can suggest treatments, but it can’t understand patient fears, family dynamics, or complex medical histories.
Example: “AI suggested skipping the expensive test. Turns out it was cancer.” Oops.
Ironic Note: But hey, at least it saved a few bucks on diagnostics, right?
10. Emotional Conversations
Why It’s a Terrible Idea
Layoffs, grievances, or even big promotions shouldn’t be automated. These moments define how employees perceive your company.
Example: An AI sends an email: “Congrats on your promotion! BTW, here’s a link to your new tax bracket calculator.” Not exactly inspiring.
Ironic Note: Nothing says “we value our team” like an AI-generated pep talk.
Best Practices for Business Managers
- Think Before You Automate: Just because AI can do something doesn’t mean it should.
- Keep Humans in the Loop: Use AI to assist, not replace, in sensitive areas.
- Test for Impact: Always pilot new AI processes and gather feedback.
- Prioritize Empathy and Judgment: If a task requires these, it’s better left to humans.
Conclusion: Automation Isn’t Always the Answer
AI is a fantastic tool, but it’s not a substitute for human judgment, empathy, or creativity. Business managers who blindly automate everything risk losing what makes their companies unique: their people. So, next time you’re tempted to automate a sensitive process, ask yourself: “Is this a job for a robot or a human?” Spoiler: Sometimes, it’s better to keep the humans around.
- eApproval + AI, 2part. What AI Can’t Automate in eApproval Systems: Business Cases
- AI on a Budget: How Small Businesses Can Afford Big Innovations
- Revolutionizing Approvals: How AI is Transforming eApproval Workflows for Businesses
- Found, Lost, and Found Again: My Tumultuous Affair with AI
- Guide to AI Integration Tools for Business Transformation
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