Cluely: The AI Tool Making Cheating a Breeze

In a twist that might have educators scratching their heads, two former Columbia University students have launched an AI tool named Cluely, which they describe as a "completely undetectable desktop assistant." This tool aims to help users navigate various scenarios—be it job interviews, sales calls, or online exams—with AI-generated responses. The concept is as intriguing as it is controversial, as the creators assert that it simply leverages technology to enhance human capabilities.

According to the Cluely website, the tool operates through an in-browser window that can provide answers while remaining hidden from view, even during a screen-sharing session. This raises questions about ethics and the future of learning, as the tool is unabashedly marketed as an aid to cheating. The co-founders, Chungin "Roy" Lee and Neel Shanmugam, have drawn parallels between Cluely and past innovations like calculators and spell checkers, suggesting that society often panics at first but eventually adapts to new technologies.

In the manifesto available on their website, the founders boldly state, "Yes, the world will call it cheating... Every time technology makes us smarter, the world panics. Then it adapts. Then it forgets." This perspective invites debate on the role of AI in education and professional environments. Are we simply enhancing our capabilities, or are we undermining the very essence of learning?

However, the journey to launch hasn’t been entirely smooth for Lee and Shanmugam. Recently, both were suspended from Columbia University after using Cluely to cheat on their schoolwork. The fallout included Lee’s offers from major tech companies like Amazon, Meta, and TikTok being jeopardized after the controversy came to light. In a rather public display of their situation, Lee shared correspondence from the university and an Amazon executive on social media.

Despite these setbacks, the duo has pivoted from students to entrepreneurs, taking on the roles of CEO and COO at Cluely. They have successfully raised $5.3 million in funding to further develop the tool, signaling a shift in their focus from academia to the tech startup world. This raises the question: will Cluely become a staple in the toolkit of students and professionals, or will it face backlash that could limit its adoption?

As the conversation around AI and ethics continues to evolve, Cluely’s emergence highlights the need for a deeper understanding of how technology impacts learning and professional integrity. Whether you view it as a revolutionary advancement or a step too far, it’s clear that Cluely is poised to spark discussions that could shape the future of both education and the workplace.

Cited: https://www.pcmag.com/news/this-ai-tool-helps-you-cheat-on-job-interviews-sales-calls-exams