Speed vs. Depth: How Does Using AI for Work Affect Our Confidence?

A peer-reviewed study of nearly 2,000 adults found that heavier AI use at work was linked to lower self-reported confidence and a weaker sense of ownership over tasks.

People who relied on chatbot output with little editing felt less like the work was theirs, while those who revised AI-generated content reported higher confidence.

The researchers say this points to a speed-versus-depth trade-off, not clear evidence of cognitive decline.

The findings raise concerns about how AI could affect judgment, output quality, and employee well-being as workplace use grows.