The Dark Side of AI Productivity: Stress, Overreliance, and Fatigue

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools are becoming deeply integrated into the workplace, from drafting emails to analyzing data. From the information quoted by hkitblog.com they promise efficiency and convenience, but psychologists and labor experts warn of hidden risks behind AI-driven productivity, including stress, overreliance, and digital fatigue.
Efficiency with a Price
AI has been celebrated for reducing repetitive tasks and speeding up workflows. However, research suggests that constant interaction with AI systems can increase cognitive pressure. Workers may feel compelled to keep up with AI’s speed, leading to stress and unrealistic expectations.
“AI is supposed to help, but instead, many employees feel pressured to perform at the same level of efficiency as machines,” said a workplace psychologist in Singapore.
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Overreliance on AI
Another concern is dependency. Employees who rely heavily on AI for writing, problem-solving, or decision-making may gradually lose confidence in their own skills. This dependency can reduce critical thinking and creativity—qualities that are essential in dynamic work environments.
“Over time, workers risk becoming passive executors rather than active thinkers,” experts noted.
Digital Fatigue
With AI embedded in multiple platforms, workers are constantly bombarded by prompts, suggestions, and auto-generated content. Instead of simplifying tasks, this often creates a cycle of overchecking, correcting, and supervising AI outputs, which can result in digital fatigue.
A recent study highlighted that employees spend significant time reviewing AI-generated work, creating what researchers call “hidden workloads.”
Finding Balance
Experts emphasize that AI should remain a supporting tool, not a replacement for human judgment. To prevent burnout and fatigue, companies are encouraged to:
- Provide training on healthy AI use
- Set realistic productivity expectations
- Encourage employees to continue honing problem-solving and creative skills
- Promote regular breaks from screen-heavy workflows