AI Makes Work More Intense, Not Easier, New Study Finds
AI tools are creating a 'hellish' work environment of constant pressure.
Deep Dive
New research from UC Berkeley reveals AI is intensifying work, not easing it. An 8-month study of a 200-person company found employees worked faster, took on broader tasks, and logged more hours—often voluntarily. AI availability led to role usurpation, deferred hiring, and constant off-hours prompting. This aligns with Sam Altman's experience of AI accelerating his own work pace. The study suggests automation's productivity gains are erased by expanded expectations.
Why It Matters
This challenges the promise of AI as a work-life balance tool, showing it may instead fuel burnout and job creep.