Is AI’s promise backfiring? Study warns of “AI brain fry” as workers juggle too many tools

A new Harvard Business Review study suggests that AI’s much-touted productivity gains may carry a hidden cost: “AI brain fry.” Surveying roughly 1,500 workers, researchers found that employees who constantly switch among multiple AI tools report higher decision fatigue, more mistakes and greater mental strain—about one in seven experienced notable fatigue. The paradox, the authors say, is that AI both relieves and creates burnout: it helps when offloading repetitive tasks, but raises stress when workers must supervise or coordinate several systems. The findings imply companies may need to redesign workflows, clarify when and how AI is used, and invest in managerial guidance and training. Without guardrails, expectations of doing more with less could erode performance, slowing decisions and denting the bottom line.

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