Job seekers mask their emotions and act more analytical when evaluated by artificial intelligence

Job seekers mask their emotions and act more analytical when evaluated by artificial intelligence

Job seekers mask their emotions and act more analytical when evaluated by artificial intelligence

https://www.psypost.org/job-seekers-mask-their-emotions-and-act-more-analytical-when-evaluated-by-artifi-2026-03-26/

Publish Date: 2026-04-03 18:12:00

Source Domain: www.psypost.org

  • Individuals modify their behavior when aware that an AI is evaluating them for job or college programs, aiming to appear more analytical and less emotional.
  • This “AI assessment effect” can lead to inaccurate assessments, disrupting the selection process for important positions.
  • With increasing transparency laws, candidates are often aware of AI involvement in hiring and admissions, influencing their self-presentation.
  • Research conducted by Jonas Goergen and his team revealed that applicants alter their traits to emphasize logical and analytical aspects when they believe an AI is their evaluator.
  • Experiments demonstrated that people downplay their intuitive side and exaggerate their logical traits under perceived machine evaluation to seem more suitable.
  • This behavior could mislead organizations into inaccurately assessing candidates’ true skills and competencies.
  • The researchers suggested that employers should consider this effect to ensure fairer and more accurate evaluations when using AI for selection processes.