Cluely, an AI-powered browser extension that claims to help users ‘cheat at everything,’ has sparked controversy by promising to provide unfair advantages in various situations, including job interviews and social interactions. The app, developed by a Columbia University student who was subsequently expelled, can secretly monitor screen activity and audio, providing real-time assistance to users.
The Controversy Around Cluely
The primary use case for Cluely is in high-stakes situations like Zoom job interviews, where it can help users solve coding problems or respond to questions. The app’s developer, Lee, claims to have used Cluely to successfully navigate interviews with major tech companies. However, this has raised concerns about the app’s potential for deception and its impact on the integrity of these processes.
Redefining Cheating
Lee argues that Cluely is simply leveraging AI to provide a tool that can enhance human capabilities, much like Google or calculators. He believes that the concept of ‘cheating’ needs to be redefined in the context of emerging technologies. However, critics argue that Cluely’s secretive nature and ability to provide real-time answers without the knowledge of other parties involved make it a tool for deception.
Implications of Cluely’s Technology
The potential implications of Cluely’s technology are far-reaching, with concerns that it could undermine trust in various interactions, from job interviews to social conversations. While Lee sees Cluely as a revolutionary tool that can unlock human potential, others view it as a means of cheating that can have negative consequences.
Hands-On Experience with Cluely
Upon installing Cluely, it becomes apparent that the app is powerful and can override normal safeguards to monitor screen activity and audio. Although it’s not fully real-time and requires user intervention to provide answers, the potential for misuse is significant.
Conclusion
Cluely represents a funhouse mirror view of AI’s potential, highlighting the tension between technological advancement and ethical considerations. As AI continues to evolve, it is crucial to consider the implications of such technologies and the boundaries they may push. While Cluely’s developer sees it as a tool for unlocking human potential, others are more cautious, viewing it as a means of deception that can erode trust and integrity.
