Laziness, Impatience, Hubris, and AI (2025) (arctortect.substack.com)

The author reflects on their increasing reliance on AI, particularly using Cursor for coding, highlighting a personal struggle with cognitive atrophy and the erosion of critical thinking skills. They express concerns that while AI enhances productivity by simplifying complex tasks, it can also lead to a troubling dependency where users, feeling drained or overwhelmed, delegate their cognitive responsibilities to machines. This reliance may create a false sense of proficiency, as users risk losing their problem-solving abilities and understanding of foundational concepts, ultimately leading to learned helplessness. This introspection raises significant questions for the AI/ML community regarding the ethical implications of such dependencies. As tools like AI become more integrated into daily workflows, there is an urgent need to balance efficiency with the maintenance of cognitive skills. The author's contemplation of AI-free days underscores the importance of self-awareness in tech use, challenging developers and users alike to ensure that while AI can augment human capabilities, it should not replace them entirely. This ongoing discourse is crucial for fostering a responsible and sustainable interaction with technology as it continues to evolve.