The Waymo effect: how AI is quietly making research less collaborative

The Waymo effect refers to the phenomenon where technology removes the friction of human interaction, making it seem like a benefit when in reality the costs were always visible. This is observed in driverless cars, where the absence of a human driver makes the experience feel seamless and convenient, even though it removes the necessity of conversation and negotiation. The effect is not just about convenience; it's about the loss of collaboration in research. Researchers find it easier to work with large language models (LLMs) because they are available 24/7, do not require scheduling, and do not demand alignment or compromise. However, this leads to decollaboration, where the value of a collaborator is diminished as their input is redirected to LLMs, which are seen as more efficient and less prone to challenge. The article highlights that while LLMs can perform tasks efficiently, they lack the nuanced understanding and perspective of human collaborators, which is essential for research. The implications are that the research process is being altered, with the benefits of technology outweighing the costs of collaboration, leading to a shift in how research is conducted and valued.

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