Artificial intelligence: In today’s era, from coding to marketing or accounting, artificial intelligence or AI is our constant companion. But is this over-reliance unknowingly causing us great danger? A recent study published in Harvard Business Review (HBR) has brought forward a sensational information. Researchers say that excessive use of AI is reducing the thinking power of the human brain and creating a new problem, which has been named ‘AI Brain Fry’.
What is this ‘AI Brain Fry’?
The study, which surveyed 1,488 US workers, found that those who regularly used or monitored multiple AI tools suffered from a form of chronic fatigue. The same researchers call ‘AI brain fry’. About 14 percent of workers reported experiencing symptoms like buzzing, lack of focus, delayed decision-making, and severe headaches when dealing with AI all the time.
General burnout vs AI brain fry
This is different from the ‘burnout’ that usually occurs due to work stress. In general burnout people lose interest in work or become emotionally exhausted. But ‘AI brain fry’ directly puts extra stress on the brain. Managing multiple AI systems simultaneously and checking their accuracy quickly tires the brain.
Which occupation is more risky?
According to research data, the negative impact of AI is not equal in all professions:
Marketing: Most affected (26 percent of workers affected by this problem).
HR & Operations: is at the top of the list.
Software Developer: Surprisingly, despite using AI the most, developers are ranked fourth on the list.
Managing AI is more difficult than work!
Many workers report that they feel more tired managing the AI tools than the actual work. According to one engineer, ‘double-checking’ or re-verifying the AI’s output all day is more exhausting than the work at the end of the day. As a result, the incidence of wrong decisions is increasing by about 33 percent and many are thinking of leaving their jobs.
Warning: AI is harmful only when it creates additional pressure on humans, researchers say. But if used correctly to reduce monotonous or mechanical work, it can also help reduce stress and increase creativity. That is, not the use of technology, but its excess and misuse is the main cause of fear.