Chat First, Worry Later: Understanding Individuals' Privacy Perceptions Using ChatGPT in a Work Context

Generative AI tools like ChatGPT are transforming work across various sectors, but their integration introduces significant privacy concerns for both individuals and organizations. A study involving 224 participants from diverse employment sectors revealed that individual privacy perceptions, proficiency in using ChatGPT, and existing organizational policies for GenAI all influence actual usage patterns. Understanding these interactions is crucial for effective deployment and risk management of AI in the workplace.

Why it matters

The widespread adoption of GenAI tools necessitates a strategic understanding of associated privacy risks and user perceptions to ensure responsible integration. Organizations must address these concerns to mitigate potential data breaches, maintain trust, and comply with evolving regulatory landscapes, which ultimately impacts operational resilience and reputation.

Key insights

• Generative AI tools, exemplified by ChatGPT, are increasingly being adopted in work routines across sectors like education, healthcare, and IT.
• The integration of GenAI in professional settings raises substantial privacy concerns for individuals and organizational environments.
• A study with 224 participants explored the interplay between individuals' ChatGPT proficiency, general privacy concerns, and organizational GenAI policies.
• These factors collectively impact how users interact with and utilize ChatGPT in their work, indicating complex user behavior influenced by multiple variables.

Source

arXiv — Computers and Society — https://arxiv.org/abs/2608.20789