Using AI as an Enhancer vs letting it do the thinking for you
When ChatGPT was at the beginning, I and most of my colleagues used it as an enhancer for our work - mostly code and research - much like a person would use Google but more direct, saving time instead of browsing more websites. We'd have a question about our work and talked to an AI expert (that wasn't that good before) to find out the answer. No more, no less.
Today, I see a LOT of people writing entire apps, writing entire essays, university thesis paragraphs, marketing messages, emails and talking to AI non-stop while working, following it blindly at this point. The worst part: sometimes it takes way longer to repair/edit/debug/update what AI produces than would have taken to even learn to do the thing yourself.
And I'm no exception, as there's a lot of thinking and brain computing that AI does for me daily, which sometimes makes me feel slower and forcing me to depend on it even more (if I want to meet my deadlines), basically dumbing me down in the process.
My question for you is: Do you feel like you're using AI too much? If so, are there systems you put in place to make sure you're not getting dumbed down by too much AI usage?
Replies
Pokecut
Thanks for sharing these thoughtful reflections, Constantine. I totally relate to the shift you describe—from using AI as a helpful enhancer to sometimes relying on it too heavily, which can unintentionally dull our own problem-solving skills. I’ve noticed that when I lean on AI for quick answers or drafts, it can speed things up but also make me less engaged with the deeper learning process. To counter this, I try to set intentional boundaries—like using AI primarily for brainstorming or outlining, then doing the detailed work myself. I also make a point of regularly stepping back to solve problems manually or learn new concepts without AI assistance. It’s a balancing act, but being mindful about when and how we use AI seems key to keeping our skills sharp rather than letting them atrophy. Would love to hear how others manage this balance!