Houston Daily

Researchers at the C. T. Bauer College of Business have found that middle-class workers are most likely to use artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT in their jobs. The study, led by Professor and Endowed C. T. Bauer Chair of AI Meng Li, explores how social class backgrounds influence the adoption of large language models (LLMs) in place of supervisor assistance.

Professor Li explained the motivation behind the research: “We already understand that AI tools, ChatGPT, self-driving cars — they are not going away. They are going to be there regardless of if we like it or not, so just answering this question will be critical for our society.”

The findings reveal an inverted U-shaped pattern in adoption rates, with middle-class workers standing out as the group most inclined to use LLMs at work. According to Li, “They have the knowledge. They know how to use it. They know how the large language model can help them, or they are comfortable with technology. I think this unique advantage makes their adoption easier.”

Li also emphasized that LLMs affect different groups in distinct ways: “Trying to help the people who are not adopting AI, or have the need to, like the lower class, but don't know how to use it,” she said. “I think finding a way to help them will be important.”

The research highlights questions about how these patterns may impact workplace inequality in the future. As stated by Li, exploring these dynamics further is planned as part of ongoing research efforts.