AI promised efficiency. Instead, it's making us work harder

9 months ago

AI tools were supposed to increase efficiency but are instead increasing cognitive load and reducing productivity.
Studies show that AI adoption can lead to longer task completion times and decreased delivery throughput and stability.
AI shifts mental energy from implementation to quality control, creating a new kind of cognitive load.
The pressure to adopt every new AI tool mirrors the 'grind harder' mentality that leads to burnout.
Productivity should be measured by cognitive energy preserved rather than time saved.
Selective adoption of AI tools and giving oneself permission to avoid unnecessary optimizations can reduce stress.
AI adoption follows a 'J-curve' with initial productivity losses before potential gains, requiring complementary changes.
The real win may be working more intentionally rather than more efficiently.

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