AI Was Supposed to Free My Time. It Consumed It.
New research shows AI doesn't reduce work—it makes you want to do more of it
TL;DR
- AI assistants like Margot can lead to extended work sessions, blurring the lines between work and personal time.
- Research indicates AI intensifies work through task expansion (taking on new responsibilities), blurred boundaries (working during breaks), and multitasking (managing multiple AI tasks simultaneously).
- The addictive nature of AI use is linked to variable-ratio reinforcement schedules, similar to slot machines, and the 'AI genie phenomenon'.
- Fear of Becoming Obsolete (FOBO) is a psychological driver that pushes individuals to continuously engage with AI to stay relevant.
- Combating AI compulsion involves intentional pauses, analog activities with clear boundaries, and social connection to mitigate feelings of isolation and burnout.