You’ve probably heard that inequality is rising in much of the world. This has a bunch of consequences, including negative impacts on life expectancy, infant mortality, and even happiness for those on the lower end of the economic spectrum. At the societal level, increased inequality hurts economic growth and is associated with higher financial and violent crimes.

But here’s something that was new to me: inequality even changes how we think about morality. This week, we’ll discuss a fascinating new study that has been stuck in my head since I first read it a few months ago.

Plus: what’s an AI job coach good for, anyway?

Inequality on our mind

When inequality is high, people are more accepting of unethical behavior. This is the finding of a new study by Kellogg’s Maryam Kouchaki and her coauthors, Rutgers’ Christopher To and Kellogg postdoc Dylan Wiwad.

The researchers turned to country-level data on inequality and economic output, as well as surveys that asked about people’s perceptions of control, trust, and the justifiability of various behaviors like avoiding fare on public transit, cheating on taxes, and accepting a bribe. After crunching the numbers, the researchers found that those who lived in less-equal societies felt like they had less control and were more accepting of unethical behavior.

The researchers found similar results for high inequality at the neighborhood level and even in fictitious societies. They also found that much of the relationship between inequality and loss of control comes down to perceived social mobility.

“If someone thinks that society is unequal, but they have the ability to move up, then they still feel a sense of control. But if you can’t move up, you lose that sense of control,” says Kouchaki.

You can read more about the study in Kellogg Insight.

Your (AI) job coach has arrived

Among heightened concerns that AI is taking jobs, should we all be turning to AI for career advice?

Such was the question posed by The Washington Post reporter Danielle Abril, who tested six different bots to see how well they serve as career coaches. Verdict? Eh. They’re fine helping you word that sensitive email to your boss, or offering generic advice, but they’re definitely no substitute for “a mentor who has awareness of your career trajectory and experience,” says Kellogg’s Hatim Rahman, who was interviewed for the article.

Instead, he advises leaving the judgment to humans and using AI to help you see any blind spots in your own thinking. “Say, ‘This is my plan. What else should I think about?’”

You can read more about AI career coaches here.