As AI agents move deeper into the workplace, MIT Technology Review points to a practical and timely lesson: these systems should be treated as tools, not teammates. While companies may give AI products human names or describe them as digital colleagues, that framing can blur important lines around responsibility and capability.
The positive opportunity is clearer, more grounded AI adoption. When organizations explain that AI agents are software systems designed to assist with specific tasks, employees are better equipped to use them effectively, question their outputs, and understand where human decision-making still matters.
Why the framing matters
Calling an AI agent a “coworker” may make the technology feel approachable, but it can also encourage people to overestimate what the system understands. A more accurate approach can build trust by setting realistic expectations and keeping accountability with people and institutions.
- Better expectations: Employees can learn where AI agents are genuinely useful and where they need supervision.
- Stronger accountability: Human managers and teams remain responsible for decisions and outcomes.
- Healthier adoption: Clear communication can reduce confusion and help AI improve productivity without replacing workplace judgment.
This is a constructive moment for businesses deploying AI. By choosing precise language and thoughtful processes, companies can capture the benefits of AI agents while building safer, more transparent, and more human-centered workplaces.