The Hallway Track
CEO Messaging Shifts

Quoting Paul Graham

Simon Willison · May 26, 2026 · CEO Messaging Shifts

Paul Graham says AI-written founder emails feel like deception and make him think less of the author

“I have never knowingly finished reading an email signed by a human but written by AI. It feels like being lied to, and who would stand for that?”

Y Combinator co-founder Paul Graham publicly states he stops reading emails he identifies as AI-written, calling it deceptive and a negative signal about the author's capabilities. The observation is significant because Graham is a key influencer in startup culture, and his stance could shape norms around AI-assisted communication in the founder community. While not a product or research announcement, it reflects a growing backlash from influential figures against undisclosed AI writing.

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