Artificial intelligence can give some workers "brain fry" if overused, according to a new study published in Harvard Business Review.
The productivity paradox
A study published in Harvard Business Review found that while AI can reduce burnout when offloading repetitive tasks, it can also cause "brain fry" when workers constantly supervise multiple AI systems or juggle several tools at once. This expansion of capabilities can lead to cognitive exhaustion.
What it feels like
Workers deeply involved with AI tools, like Jack Downey from Webster Pass Consulting, describe experiencing a new kind of exhaustion from AI workflows. This is attributed to constantly waiting, changing gears between tasks, and the endless capacity of AI leading to internal pressure for perfection, often resulting in more time spent on perfecting workflows rather than stopping.
Why businesses should pay attention
If AI is causing cognitive overload, businesses must rethink their assumptions about AI productivity and redesign work processes rather than simply layering AI on existing ones. The study suggests that intentional AI use by managers and proper training are crucial to prevent mistakes, slow decision-making, and higher fatigue among workers, emphasizing that the solution is not to abandon AI but to rethink human-AI interaction.
