With great power comes great responsibility.
As someone who works with technology daily, I've noticed a concerning pattern in my workflow: I've become overly dependent on AI tools. What started as a productivity booster has gradually become a crutch that I lean on for almost every task.
I find myself reaching for ChatGPT before even attempting to solve a problem myself. Need to write an email? AI. Debug some code? AI. Research a topic? AI. This instant gratification has made me lazy in ways I didn't anticipate.
The Problems I've Noticed
- Reduced critical thinking: I often accept AI responses without questioning.
- Memory issues: I don't retain information because I know I can just ask again.
- Writing skills declining: My natural writing voice has become muddled.
Moving Forward
I'm making a conscious effort to use AI as a tool, not a replacement for thinking. This means: attempting problems myself first, being critical of AI outputs, and keeping my fundamental skills sharp.
AI is meant to augment human intelligence, not replace it. Finding that balance is key.