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The Effects of AI Assistance on Self-Promotion

Author

Listed:
  • Koch, Alexander

    (Aarhus University)

  • Kragl, Jenny

    (EBS Business School)

  • Ming, Sijuan

    (Aarhus University)

  • Nafziger, Julia

    (Aarhus University)

Abstract

Persistent gender gaps in self-promotion contribute to unequal labor market outcomes. In this study, we investigate how AI-assisted writing tools shape self-promotion, and, as a secondary outcome, confidence and how these effects interact with gender. For this purpose, we conducted an online experiment in China in which participants wrote self-promotion texts, provided a numerical self-promotion score and stated their confidence about how they will perform in an upcoming math and logic test. We find suggestive evidence that AI assistance reduces numerical self-evaluations. Neither gender nor the interaction between gender and AI assistance is significantly related to self-promotion or confidence. We conduct a text analysis to investigate the mechanisms behind these results.

Suggested Citation

  • Koch, Alexander & Kragl, Jenny & Ming, Sijuan & Nafziger, Julia, 2026. "The Effects of AI Assistance on Self-Promotion," IZA Discussion Papers 18441, IZA Network @ LISER.
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp18441
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • C90 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - General
    • D03 - Microeconomics - - General - - - Behavioral Microeconomics: Underlying Principles
    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
    • M12 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Personnel Management; Executives; Executive Compensation

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