Is AI good or bad? While some view it as a technology that could challenge the existence of humans, others advocate for its sensible and intelligent use to further humanity. It all depends on how humans use AI, as Zoho co-founder Sridhar Vembu reveals in his latest statement. In a cautionary address on the responsible use of AI, Zoho co-founder Sridhar Vembu has warned that AI should serve as a tool to augment human intelligence rather than as a complete replacement for human thought.
Don’t use AI for “copy-pasting”
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Vembu stated that a key issue is the tendency for people to “copy-paste AI-generated text,” which he considers unprofessional and a sign of over-reliance on the technology. Instead of copy-pasting, he advocates for a balanced approach where AI is used to enhance human capabilities, not to replace them entirely.
“AI can enhance product experience (like how Grok is in X) but I would not use AI to create new content. AI can help customer support agents do their work faster but it is unwise to let AI replace human agents. It is also unwise for a human to copy paste AI text and send to a customer, hiding the fact that it came from AI,” wrote Vembu.
“AI generated code requires a full round of review for compliance, privacy and security, and those are neither easy nor fun for humans to do. If any programmer submits AI generated code without doing all this, they are failing at their job. Doing all of the above may destroy much of the “productivity gains” in generating code,” he said further. “In some cases, AI may even slow us down,” warned the Zoho co-founder.
He also notes that AI has already replaced approximately 80 per cent of his traditional web searches, providing a more efficient way to learns and encourage critical thinking.
AI shouldn’t replace humans
Vembu’s warning also extends to the application of AI in various business functions. While he says that AI can improve customer service by providing faster responses and more efficient handling of queries, he warns against using it to completely replace human agents. He considers it unethical, saying that this practice risks damaging customer trust.
In the realm of software development and content creation, Vembu said that AI should be an assistant, not a substitute for human creativity and judgment. He also highlighted the potential risks of AI-generated code, which must undergo compliance, privacy, and security reviews.
