Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence: A Sociological Analysis of Application Usage Reality Among Diverse Professional Categories in Greater Cairo

This research targeted exploration of the reality of individuals' experiences using artificial intelligence applications and tools in various professional contexts, to understand the extent to which these applications align with users' needs and their role in enhancing their capabilities and efficiency in the work environment.In accordance with the objectives and methodology, the research was based on the “Case Study approach”, in which “qualitative data” was collected using an “open-ended interview guide”. and applied to (20) selected individual cases within the Greater Cairo region. The cases were selected using the “purposeful sampling”. According to the criterionof using AI app in the professional context.The interviews were conducted through a synchronous digital medium, “Google Meet”. It provided high temporal & spatialflexibility in collecting field data, through organized stages. The study reached a set of results, most notably: a strong presence of generative artificial intelligence application usage, with “ChatGPT” ranking first in terms of user count, followed by “Gemini”. There was also a notable presence of applications for generating, enhancing, and displaying images, such as “Midjourney”, “Adobe Firefly” and “Stable Diffusion”. Additionally, AI-powered programs and platforms, such as “Canva”, “Notion”, “Collab AI”. And platforms that performed specialized tasks in the reaserch work context, such as “Rival IQ” and “Tinywow.com”. The field results indicated as well that artificial intelligence applications and tools are centered around the human/user, by enhancing user performance and boosting their human capabilities in the work setting. The most prominent perceived benefits for users included: time efficiency, speed of completion, increased and improved productivity, assistance in generating new and inspiring ideas, task facilitation, output enhancement, and the development of self-learning and independence skills. The field results also demonstrated that output quality depends on input formulation skills on one hand, and technology usage skills on the other. The patterns of interaction between users and artificial intelligence were represented in three main patterns, these are: chating with AI and considering artificial intelligence as a friend or social partner, and AI's compliance with user criticism by modifying machine behavior. And the empirical findings revealed that the presence of negatives and risks of use, which occure concurrently with the benefits that have been reaped, this calls for an emphasis on the need to regulate and rationalize usage practices, ensuring they are safe, responsible, and beneficial.