The Stupidest Thing About AI? Zoho Chief Reveals

In a powerful cautionary statement, Zoho Chief Scientist Sridhar Vembu has warned against what he calls the "unwise" practice of a human simply copying and pasting AI-generated text. Vembu, a co-founder of the global software firm, argues that this behavior, especially when it's concealed from a customer, not only erodes trust but can also make a company less productive and less professional in the long run.


Vembu, who describes himself as a "moderate to heavy" AI user, has a nuanced view on the technology's role in the workplace. While he acknowledges that AI can significantly accelerate learning and streamline workflows, he firmly believes that its greatest value lies in augmenting human intelligence, not replacing it.


The Risks of Blindly Trusting AI
Vembu's warning is rooted in a fundamental concern about the uncritical use of AI. According to his post on X (formerly Twitter), the practice of a human hiding the fact that their response came from an AI is a clear failure of professional ethics.


He highlighted several key areas where this over-reliance on AI is particularly dangerous:

Customer Communication: Vembu believes that AI can help customer support agents draft faster responses, but he strongly advises against letting AI replace human agents entirely. He argues that passing off an AI-generated response as a human one can damage the trust that is essential for a customer relationship.


Coding: For programmers, Vembu's warning is even more pointed. He states that AI-generated code requires a full round of review for compliance, privacy, and security. He asserts that if a programmer skips these "neither easy nor fun" checks, they are "failing at their job." He even suggests that in some cases, the time required for these reviews can negate the productivity gains of using AI, and in some instances, may even "slow us down."



A Tool for Debate, Not a Substitute for Thought
Instead of viewing AI as a content machine, Vembu encourages its use as a "debating partner." He personally uses multiple AI systems to critique one another's output, a practice he says deepens his understanding and enhances his critical thinking. He also notes that AI has replaced a significant portion of his web searches, as it provides a faster and more efficient way to learn.



In the end, Vembu's message is clear: AI is a powerful tool for learning and problem-solving. But when it is used to bypass human judgment, it not only risks introducing errors and security flaws but also undermines the very skills that make human employees valuable.