The promise of an empty to-do list is a tantalizing fantasy. We yearn for the mundane tasks to be complete so we can focus on more meaningful pursuits. However, Oliver Burkeman, author of Meditations for Mortals, suggests that this day may never come. “The day is never coming when all of the other stuff will be ‘out of the way,’ so you can turn at last to building a life of meaning and accomplishment that hums with vitality,” he writes. Instead, we must choose how to use our limited time wisely and let go of the rest.
The rise of AI productivity tools has made it increasingly tempting to believe that we can ‘do it all’ with the help of technology. ChatGPT can draft emails, take notes, and summarize books, promising to revolutionize our productivity. However, Burkeman warns that this is precisely the “efficiency trap” he’s written about. Being more productive at work doesn’t necessarily mean we’ll have more time for creative pursuits or leisure; it often simply means more work.
In a recent episode of the Behavioral Design Podcast, Burkeman discussed the true and false promises of AI for productivity. He and host Aline Holzwarth explored how AI tools, while making us more efficient, can lead to more work rather than more free time. For instance, AI medical scribes can help doctors document patient interactions more efficiently, but this often results in doctors seeing more patients rather than having more free time.
This phenomenon is not new; it’s a classic example of the ‘Kaiser Reward,’ where the reward for good time management is more work. Burkeman argues that this is a natural consequence of our economic system, where increased efficiency leads to increased expectations and workload.
Moreover, AI-generated content raises important questions about the value of human creativity and connection. Burkeman notes that what gives a novel written by a human its value is not just technical skill, but the fact that it was written by a conscious, emoting sensibility. When AI generates content, something essential is lost – the human connection and relational aspect that makes the work meaningful.
The conversation also touched on information overload and how AI summarization tools can both help and hinder our ability to process information. While these tools can distill complex information into its essence, they can also lead to a lack of critical thinking and depth of understanding.
Ultimately, Burkeman emphasizes the importance of being present in the moment and finding meaning in our current circumstances, rather than waiting for some future point when ‘real life’ begins. As he puts it, “This, here and now, is real life.” By being more mindful of how we use AI productivity tools and being aware of the potential pitfalls, we can harness their benefits while maintaining a healthy balance between productivity and meaningful living.
