It has long been a research topic in the social sciences to examine whether technology bridges or reinforces existing social gaps. With the emergence of generative AI based on LLMs, there is growing optimism that people with lower skill levels may benefit the most from these technologies. However, the ways in which skills are shaped by broader social constraints have not been explored in depth. In this study, we focus on English nativity in the U.S as a dual proxy of language proficiency and sociolinguistic inequality. We compare how native and non-native English speakers use AI-generated output when writing job application cover letters. We find that both groups rely on AI, but they do so in different ways, partly due to their sociolinguistic backgrounds. Individuals who perceive themselves as having lower writing skills are more likely to rely on AI for professional writing; at the same time, they are also more likely to be affected by the social and linguistic challenges they face. This study highlights the need for specialized educational programs for disadvantaged populations and for scaffolding approaches that strengthen foundational skills in the age of AI.
Dr. Inyoung Shin serves as the AI Research Librarian at the UCR Library. She holds a PhD in Communication from Rutgers University and an M.S. in Computer Science from Yale University. At UCR library, she supports the campus community by fostering AI literacy and providing specialized research support. As an active researcher in the social sciences, Dr. Shin investigates the social impacts of emerging technologies on interpersonal relationships, information sharing, and workplace dynamics. Her work has been featured in prestigious peer-reviewed journals, such as Computers in Human Behavior, Information, Communication & Society, and Management Communication Quarterly. She has also received recognition for top-tier papers at the International Conference on Social Media & Society, the National Communication Association, and the Central States Communication Association. Her current research trajectory extends to generative AI and HRI, with recent contributions appearing in the proceedings of the IEEE/ACM International Conference on Human-Robot Interaction.