Is using AI for work cheating or just a smart strategy?
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Posted: Mon 2nd Jun 2025
9 min read
We’ve all seen the rise in content on platforms like LinkedIn and Threads where people are talking about “knowing when someone is using AI”.
Like a certain side-eye that happens when someone admits they’ve used AI to help write a blog, generate a caption or draft a strategy. And if you’re a creator, marketer or small business owner, you might’ve felt that too, a niggling doubt: “Is using AI for work cheating?”
Here’s our honest opinion:
Using AI isn’t about cutting corners. It’s about using it to work smarter.
Like most business owners, and of course social media managers, we can sometimes be time poor. Content expectations are always high, and creativity doesn’t always strike on demand, even though we wish it would. But AI isn’t the villain. It’s the virtual sidekick. The brainstorming buddy – the assistant who doesn’t call in sick!
So no, it's not cheating. It's evolving. And that’s the smart move.
So, what do we mean by cheating?
The definition of cheating is: to behave dishonestly to get what you want.
It could imply that you’re claiming something as your own that you didn’t create, or that you’ve taken an unfair shortcut.
But here’s the thing: using tools has always been part of the creative process. Nobody accuses designers of cheating because they use Canva. Or a writer using Grammarly to check over and tidy up their work.
AI is no different; it’s a tool, but the difference is how you’re using (or planning to use) it.
So why do you feel guilty?
We’ve all got a little voice inside speaking to us, and when you’re using AI, it might be saying something like, “Shouldn’t I be doing this the ‘real’ way?”.
We’re going to be clear. Creative guilt isn’t something new, and it can often creep in when things are feeling too easy. Or because we’re internalised that the ideal of “working hard” means doing everything manually.
It’s worth remembering that effort doesn’t equal value and that time spent doesn’t always reflect the impact being made.
If AI helps you get started, refine your thoughts or turn around a rough voice note into a polished social media post, that’s not cheating. It's working with intention.
For many business owners, AI can be the difference between showing up and staying quiet. It could give anyone the confidence to publish a Reel, to communicate with clarity and finally be consistent.
There is an ethical line, though
We’ll be honest, just because AI is a tool, doesn’t mean that it will always be used responsibly. Like anything powerful, there’s a line. And if it’s crossed, things can get a bit murky.
But what’s the line? If you are:
Passing AI-generated content off as deeply personal or that it’s a lived experience without any human input
Using AI to mimic someone else’s identity or tone without permission
Replying on AI so much that messaging becomes vague, generic or disconnected from your audience
If you’re doing any of the above, you have crossed the line regarding the ethical use of AI. The real magic of AI lies in how it will support your strategy, your values, and your point of view.
But, it’s also about transparency
If a caption was AI-assisted, but you’ve reviewed, edited and made it your own, then fantastic! You’re still the author. But if you’re publishing content blindly, without fact-checking, checking the tone and checking the context. That’s where any trust from your audience begins to be eroded.
Being transparent with your audience is a great step in ensuring you maintain trust. If you’re using AI and you don’t have a policy, feel free to steal this template.
The goal isn’t to be perfect. The goal is always to be real and responsible.
So, is it cheating?
We’re calling it now! No, using AI isn’t cheating, not if you use it ethically, transparently and with intention, not just because you can.
There is a worry that AI will replace humans in various industries and jobs. The truth is, AI isn’t going to replace you. It has no way to capture things like lived experience, and it doesn’t know your audience like you do. And let’s not forget that it can’t understand the subtle human context that gives your content real meaning.
But what AI can do is help you get started. Help you scale, and help you find the words if you’re struggling.
In that sense, it’s no different from asking a colleague for feedback, using a copy-and-paste template, or repurposing a caption that worked brilliantly for you last year. It’s all part of the process, not a shortcut around it.
So, let’s flip the question
Instead of asking, “Is using AI for work cheating?”, perhaps the better question is to ask is, “Am I being thoughtful, honest and intentional with how I am using this AI tool?”
If the answer to that question is yes. You’re not cheating. You’re adapting, and that is not only allowed, it’s essential!
Why the human touch still matters
While AI might be clever, it’s not creative in the same way that you are. It can string together a stirring sentence, but it can’t feel what the audience feels. It can give you a suggested caption for your next social media post, but it doesn’t know if it’s hitting the right tone.
That’s where you come in and where the human touch matters.
We often say that AI can start the sentence, but it’s your job to finish it. The first draft is always just that, a draft. Your insight, empathy, ethics and experience are what shape the content to not just be clear but to be compelling!
This is so important on social media where the timing, tone and nuance can make or break your engagement.
Remember, because AI can help us to do more, we as humans will be able to make the output mean more. And that’s very important!
Our final thoughts
AI isn’t here to steal jobs, your creativity or even your voice. It’s here to support them, but only if you let it. The smartest strategy isn’t about doing everything alone, it’s about knowing when you need to lean on specific tools to help you work smarter.
We believe in embracing innovation without losing integrity. So next time you’re using an AI tool to help you with work, ditch the guilt. You’re not cheating. You’re evolving!
Ready to take the next step?
By joining the AI Made Easy Bootcamp, you’ll be able to start using AI in a smart and strategic way!
