How AI Is Intensifying Work and Why Mental Effort Matters More Than Intelligence
By
David Brooks
Summary
This article examines how AI is reshaping the workplace, challenging the popular narrative that AI will eliminate jobs and leave humans idle. Drawing on research from ActivTrak (analyzing 10,000+ workers) and UC Berkeley's Haas School of Business, the piece finds that AI adoption actually intensifies work — increasing time spent on email, messaging, and business software. The article argues that what will differentiate successful people in the AI age is not intelligence but their relationship with mental effort. Those who embrace cognitive engagement and effortful thinking will thrive, while those who avoid mental strain may struggle to adapt.
Source
bskyHow AI Is Intensifying Work and Why Mental Effort Matters More Than Intelligencetheatlantic.comKey quotes
· 3 pulledThe time that these early adopters spent on email, messaging, and chat apps more than doubled.
Their use of business software rose by 94 percent.
What will differentiate people is not how smart they are but their relationship to mental effort.
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