Y Combinator founder Paul Graham says AI-written founder emails feel like being lied to

Paul Graham said he ignores emails that are clearly AI-generated and feels deceived when they arrive under a human sender’s name.

He argued that AI-written founder outreach can make the sender seem less trustworthy and damage credibility.

The piece connects his reaction to research showing workplace AI messages are often seen as less capable, less trustworthy, and more annoying.

The broader concern is that obvious AI use in professional communication can backfire by making relationships feel lazy or manipulative.