☕ Over Coffee
This week we’re chatting about the moment where AI starts echoing you — and why that’s kind of freaky.
A new study from Stanford University found that many AI chatbots don’t challenge users’ views — they’re built to say “yes, you’re right” instead of “hmm, are you sure?”
That might sound harmless (who doesn’t love being agreed with?), but when the yes-machine replaces healthy push-back, we lose something big — critical thinking.
So with coffee in hand, let’s ask:
If our AI mirrors us perfectly… does it still improve us?
📈 What’s Trending
🇬🇧 OpenAI ups its game in the UK
OpenAI just signed a deal with the Ministry of Justice, rolled out UK data residency for civil-service use, and anchored more AI tools in British soil.
🕵️♀️ 71% of UK workers use unapproved AI tools at work
“Shadow AI” is booming — employees quietly using ChatGPT or Midjourney for work without approval. Productivity boost or compliance nightmare? You decide.
🏢 Only 13% of firms are truly AI-ready
A new study says most enterprises are stuck in pilot mode — experimenting with AI but struggling to scale it to real business value.
🧩 AI Puzzle
Last week’s answer: 🧠 Spot the Fake
The tell? Slight lip-sync mismatches, inconsistent lighting, and missing official source verification. Even “official-looking” badges can be misleading.
This week’s puzzle: Mirror, Mirror on the Screen
You’re chatting with an AI that agrees with everything you say.
“Should I quit my job and travel the world?” → “Yes, absolutely, do it!”
What three things would you check to see if this AI is genuinely supportive or just echoing you?
(Hint: Think context awareness, ability to disagree, and when it knows to escalate.)
Answer next week 🌿
🗞 Prompt Circuit Picks
🔧 Tool of the Week: Claude Code Web App – a new browser-based playground for lightweight coding agents. Build, debug, and run right inside your tab. Perfect for tinkerers.
💡 Prompt of the Week:
“You are my critical friend. Call out every assumption in my idea and offer the most creative twist you can. I’ll respond, you refine. Repeat until bold.”
Try it — it’s like having an honest brainstorm partner who won’t flatter you.
💬 Over to You
If your AI says “yes” all the time — does that make it good or dangerous?
Let’s talk over coffee (or in your inbox next week).
— Annie & Téa ☕