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Face-to-Face Communication

Return to synchronous discussion to verify understanding, in-person meetings revealing actual expertise, async work becoming unreliable due to AI mediation

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As AI-mediated communication makes it easier to fake expertise through asynchronous text, there is a growing call to return to face-to-face discussions to verify genuine understanding and human cognitive effort. Proponents argue that synchronous interactions or video recordings act as essential safeguards against "lazy" AI reliance, forcing colleagues to demonstrate actual mastery of a subject rather than just generating output. However, skeptics suggest that this issue is better solved through more rigorous hiring processes or on-site interviews, while also expressing concern that younger generations may resist a shift away from text-based platforms like Slack. Ultimately, the discussion highlights a burgeoning tension between the efficiency of remote work and the need for authentic accountability in an era where "paper expertise" is increasingly easy to manufacture.

8 comments tagged with this topic

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I wonder could you ask for a video instead of a text, like a screen recording with a voice recorder. Harder to fake.
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it actually insane that this sort of thing is tolerated. Its a culture thing and frankly just rude. My org is pretty AI-pilled and this type of behavior will just not fly. I need to be assured im talking to a human who is using their brain.
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As everyone is an expert now[1] on paper I think it is unfortunately time for a shift again. For years I was big proponent of asynchronous remote work. But it seems like the only reasonable way forward is to discuss things face to face. I still prefer to prepare things async, but then discuss them in person to understand if people actually understand what they are talking about. So far I also have a good time with really being frank and honest with colleagues if something is clearly AI expertise and not that persons expertise. 1: https://www.dev-log.me/everyone_is_an_expert_now/
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I like the idea of face-to-face discussions. My only fear is that many of the new generation will say they really prefer that we text or slack instead.
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That is something I actually have not noticed, do you get pushback like this?
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No thanks, I really don't see the benefit of face to face discussions. Just don't hire AI bros, problem solved. If you can't filter them out in the hiring process, maybe refactor the hiring process.
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Yea absolutely, but can't you talk to the people responsible for hiring? Seems like a thing that should be communicated within the company as it really disrupts things. Given that a lot of you do not have impact on hiring decisions I'd sign your face to face point, despite me not understanding the benefit of seeing if someone actually has the expertise, as most likely you also wont be able to unhire them. Can't we solve this by just having on-site interviews?
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Those are often also people who are in the company for a long time already, not only newly hired. I think AI makes it just so easy to be lazy. I guess my hope with the face to face is that people take the feedback and learn to do the actual work again. Right now it feels like a lot of this kind of collaboration and what is okay and what no has to be figured out.