Another Crazy Day in AI: The Motivation Trade-off
- Wowza Team
- May 16
- 4 min read
Hello, AI Enthusiasts.
Another Friday, another chance to kick off your shoes and try not to think about work.
But before the weekend takes over, here’s a little food for thought: a new HBR article suggests that while GenAI makes us faster and sharper on the job, it might also make things... boring. Good thing the researchers offer tips for keeping teams energized without losing the AI edge.
Meanwhile, Netflix wants your ad breaks to be interactive. And Google Cloud wants to make AI literacy the new MBA.
A little perspective before your third coffee or first cocktail.
Here's another crazy day in AI:
The human cost of AI help
Netflix prepares mid-roll AI ads for streams
Google Cloud debuts gen AI training for business pros
Some AI tools to try out
TODAY'S FEATURED ITEM: When AI Helps but Motivation Slips
Image Credit: Wowza (created with Ideogram)
Can something that makes us more productive also leave us feeling uninspired?
A new study featured in Harvard Business Review explores an emerging pattern in workplaces using generative AI. Written by researchers Yukun Liu, Suqing Wu, Mengqi Ruan, Siyu Chen, and Xiao-Yun Xie from Zhejiang University, the article digs into how gen AI can both improve performance and unintentionally chip away at employees' intrinsic motivation. Based on a series of experiments with over 3,500 participants, their findings open up a critical conversation about how companies are integrating AI into everyday workflows—and the emotional trade-offs that may come with it.
What the study noticed along the way:
Participants produced more polished, thoughtful work with gen AI support.
AI tools helped speed up tasks and improve confidence in outcomes.
Once AI was removed, participants showed lower engagement with similar tasks.
Some felt more bored or less challenged by tasks after using AI assistance.
The dip in motivation wasn’t tied to poor results—but to a shift in how the work felt.
A possible explanation: AI use may lessen the feeling of ownership or creative involvement.
The researchers don’t argue against the use of AI. Instead, they highlight the need for thoughtful integration. Their recommendations focus on reshaping how we design workflows—so that AI can support rather than replace the human drive for autonomy and creativity. Suggestions include blending AI-generated drafts with human insights, designing engaging solo tasks, rotating between assisted and non-assisted work, and offering training that encourages mindful use of AI tools.
The broader message is clear: productivity gains shouldn't come at the cost of human engagement. In trying to make work more efficient, we risk flattening the experience of doing the work itself. That loss might not be obvious right away, but over time, it can affect satisfaction, growth, and even retention.
What makes this research worth your attention is its balance. It doesn’t push hype or raise alarms. Instead, it lays out a measured, evidence-based look at something many professionals may already be feeling but haven’t quite named: the subtle shift in how work feels when AI becomes part of the process. It's a thoughtful prompt to reflect on what we want from our tools—and what we still need from our work.
Read the full article here.
Read the full paper here.
OTHER INTERESTING AI HIGHLIGHTS:
Netflix Prepares Mid-Roll AI Ads For Streams
/Scharon Harding, Senior Technology Reporter, on Ars Technica
Netflix is preparing to roll out generative AI-powered ads in 2026 as part of its growing ad-supported tier. At its latest upfront event, the company announced new formats like interactive mid-roll ads and pause ads designed to engage viewers with AI-enhanced creativity. With 94 million subscribers now on its ad tier, Netflix is rapidly expanding its in-house advertising platform to boost revenue and double ad earnings by 2025. These AI-generated ads signal a new era of dynamic and personalized ad experiences for streaming audiences.
Read more here.
Google Cloud Debuts Gen AI Training for Business Pros
/Erin Rifkin, Managing Director of Training and Certifications, on Google Cloud Blog
Google Cloud has launched a first-of-its-kind Generative AI Leader certification, aimed at non-technical professionals across roles like HR, marketing, and operations. Backed by real-world use cases, this new credential helps validate strategic understanding of gen AI and prepare professionals to lead adoption in their organizations. The $99 exam covers AI fundamentals, Google’s AI tools, techniques for improving outputs, and business strategies. A free learning path is also available, designed to empower the next generation of AI-literate leaders across industries.
Read more here.
SOME AI TOOLS TO TRY OUT:
Tome – Share ideas with AI-powered content, images, and presentations.
Samaya – AI agents that analyze market data and answer complex finance questions.
TranslateAIr – Instantly translates text and images without leaving your app.
That’s a wrap on today’s Almost Daily craziness.
Catch us almost every day—almost! 😉
EXCITING NEWS:
The Another Crazy Day in AI newsletter is on LinkedIn!!!
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