2025-12-09T18:08:35.669Z
Many professionals find AI tools helpful for work, but hide their usage from colleagues.
In a recent Anthropic report, 69% of respondents mentioned the social stigma of using AI at work.
Are you an “AI creeper,” too? Take our survey to share more about your experience.
Do you lower your screen brightness and scan your surroundings before pulling up ChatGPT at your office desk? Or maybe you go into a private room to ask the LLM some queries?
If you find yourself hiding your AI usage at work, you may be an “AI creeper.” That is, someone who uses the technology but doesn’t want their coworkers to know about it.
If this description matches your work habits, you’re not alone. A survey of 1,250 professionals released this month by AI startup Anthropic found that while 86% of those surveyed reported that AI saves them time and 65% were satisfied with the role it plays in their work, 69% mentioned the social stigma that can come with using it in the workplace.
One employee anecdote included in the report said that “a colleague recently said they hate AI and I just said nothing.” The same worker added that they don’t share their process with anyone because they “know how a lot of people feel about AI.”
Workers in certain industries may be especially prone to judgment from their peers. The report said that out of 125 creative professionals surveyed, 97% said AI saved them time and 68% said it increased their work’s quality. However, 70% of creatives mentioned peer judgment around AI use.
Business Insider is exploring the trend of “AI creeping,” and we want to hear about why you’re downplaying your usage. Please fill out our survey below to share more about your experience:
