Writing Crystalized Thinking at Amazon. Is AI Muddying It? (www.bigtechnology.com)

Amazon is shifting its traditionally writing-centric culture toward reliance on generative AI, specifically its in-house tool, Cedric, designed to produce six-page narratives in seconds. This evolution raises significant concerns regarding the potential erosion of the company’s deep-rooted emphasis on quality writing—a principle integral to its decision-making processes, championed by Jeff Bezos himself. While some employees acknowledge the efficiency AI offers, many express dissatisfaction with Cedric's performance, often labeling it as “comically inadequate” and untrustworthy. This is coupled with a culture of pressure to adopt AI tools despite their shortcomings, which has sparked fears that the quality of work and intellectual rigor at Amazon may decline. Employee sentiments are starkly divided, with some resisting the shift toward AI, viewing it as detrimental to Amazon’s standards of clarity and thoughtfulness, while newer employees seem resigned to adapting to these changes due to corporate pressures. This divide highlights a significant cultural transformation at Amazon, where the push for speed and volume through AI threatens to undermine the quality of communication and critical thinking. Amidst these challenges, there is a noted lack of comprehensive training and effective communication from leadership on the qualitative impacts of generative AI, leaving many employees uncertain about the future direction of their work and the company’s priorities.