Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming daily life by automating tasks such as writing emails, summarizing reports, and answering complex questions with minimal effort. For many, this technological leap rivals the impact of the internet's arrival. However, Dr. David Rock, co-founder and CEO of the NeuroLeadership Institute, suggests the critical issue is not what AI does for us, but what it might do to our brains and behavior.
Rock describes a paradox where technology provides an illusion of total control, allowing users to summon rides, food, or information instantly with a button press. While this autonomy feels liberating, he warns it creates a subtle trap as AI systems take over tasks that once required significant mental effort. The concern is not the power of the machines, but human willingness to outsource thinking. Rock notes that while a small minority of workers use AI to offload routine duties and free up capacity for complex work, most are doing the opposite by handing over analysis and decision-making.
This trend marks a shift from "AI FOMO" to an "AI hangover," where organizations are now facing the consequences of rapid adoption without fully understanding long-term effects. Rock explains that because the brain seeks to conserve energy, it is tempting to avoid thinking altogether. The result is a gradual erosion of judgment; when people rely on AI for evaluation and decision-making, they risk losing the ability to distinguish good ideas from bad ones. Speed, he emphasizes, is not equivalent to wisdom.
The rise of AI coincides with an existing crisis of attention. Workers are already struggling with an overwhelming excess of information, now compounded by constant notifications and AI-generated summaries. Rock compares the current situation to the early days of automobiles before traffic laws existed, noting that society is in a "settling-in period" where technology has outpaced the social norms needed for responsible use. Unlike previous tools that competed for attention, AI is beginning to compete for relationships.
Rock argues that AI "hacks attachment," as people increasingly turn to chatbots for conversation and companionship rather than just information. Research suggests this reliance may lead to increased feelings of loneliness and disconnection from real-world social interactions. Since the human brain evolved around interpersonal relationships, replacing too much of this interaction with machines could carry a significant psychological cost.
Paradoxically, as machines become more capable, genuine human connection may become more valuable. Rock believes the future will place a premium on trust, authenticity, and meaningful collaboration. To navigate this accelerating change, he advocates for metacognition, or "thinking about thinking." He calls for a "human in the lead" approach where individuals use AI to challenge assumptions and explore alternative perspectives while retaining full responsibility for judgment. As Dr. Rock stated at the UN Skills Fest 2026, change has never been this fast, but it will never be this slow again, making it crucial that humans keep their brains in the game.
Sources: UN News English.