When AI Makes Work Harder

[cryptobro]

The tech industry has sold AI as a “force multiplier” that will save workers time and make them more productive. However, UC Berkeley researchers found that when employees embraced AI, productivity improvements were minimal, while the pressure to do more skyrocketed. People began stretching their work into evenings and lunch breaks, as doing more became possible, but not optional. AI did augment capabilities, but it also unintentionally expanded the scope of work beyond reasonable limits.

This phenomenon isn’t isolated. Similar studies last year showed that developers using AI sometimes took longer to complete tasks while believing they were faster. Even across thousands of workplaces, AI adoption has only produced small time savings, while leaving hours worked largely unchanged. The lesson is clear: AI can make workers more capable, but without proper limits, it risks becoming a tool for overwork rather than liberation.

[mendez]

ai makes workers more capable, not less busy — augmentation ≠ shorter days, who knew lol