Harriet Kelsall, a Cambridge-based jeweller, shares her skepticism about the popular AI chatbot ChatGPT, which boasts over 180 million users. Despite being dyslexic and acknowledging the potential benefits of AI in enhancing communication clarity with her customers, Kelsall remains distrustful of the technology. Her trial with ChatGPT revealed inaccuracies, particularly when she sought information on the St Edward’s Crown, noting significant errors in the details provided.
Kelsall’s hesitance is reflective of a broader trend: a survey earlier this year indicated that while 54% of men have incorporated AI into their lives, either professionally or personally, only 35% of women have done the same. This raises questions about the underlying causes of this AI gender gap.
Michelle Leivars, a business coach from London, chooses not to employ AI for content creation, valuing the authenticity of her own voice and the personal connection it fosters with her clients. Similarly, Hayley Bystram, founder of a London-based matchmaking agency, opts for a more traditional, personal approach in creating member profiles, avoiding AI to maintain the soul and individuality of the process.
Alexandra Coward, a business strategist in Paisley, Scotland, equates using AI in content generation to “heavy photoshopping,” expressing concern over the trend of AI-generated images that portray unrealistic personal alterations.
Jodie Cook, an AI expert, suggests that the disparity in AI adoption may stem from the historical male dominance in STEM fields, which influences the skills associated with AI. In the UK, women constitute only 24% of the STEM workforce, potentially impacting their confidence in using AI tools.
Psychologist Lee Chambers points to the “confidence gap” as a possible deterrent for women, where the fear of being perceived as incompetent may prevent them from engaging with AI. This is compounded by societal tendencies to discredit women’s expertise, suggesting that the use of AI could further undermine their qualifications.
