AI might make our work sound smarter, but what happens when we are actually asked to explain it? Writing on X on Wednesday, economist John A. List said that while he was initially worried that AI might make critical thinkers — and therefore economists — less valuable, his "fears are now assuaged." Having spent the past six months working with nonprofits, corporations, and government agencies, he has watched professionals present AI-generated material that sounded polished and persuasive. List,