AI Fatigue: What Is It And Should We Be Talking About It More?
Artificial intelligence is everywhere right now.
In your inbox, in your meetings, in your Google Docs, and possibly in your nightmares if you’ve read one too many headlines about the end of humanity.
For the past few years, we’ve been told that AI is going to:
Take our jobs
Save our jobs
Double our productivity
Write the next great novel
But here’s the thing no one’s really talking about.
It’s exhausting.
If you’ve felt a creeping sense of indifference, scepticism, or just flat-out mental overload every time someone says “ChatGPT,” “AI-powered,” or “this changes everything,” you’re not alone.
That feeling has a name: AI fatigue, and it’s more common than most people are willing to admit.
Here, I'll break down what AI fatigue actually is, what the data says, how to manage it, and what employers can do to stop accidentally burning out their teams in the name of “innovation.”
Let’s talk about it.
Short on time? Here are the key takeaways
AI fatigue is real and rising: It’s a growing sense of exhaustion, overwhelm, or indifference caused by the nonstop hype, headlines, and workplace integration of AI tools.
Workplace expectations are misaligned: Despite leadership hoping for AI-generated content to boost productivity, many employees say it increases workloads, adds pressure, and doesn’t always deliver clear value.
Healthy tech boundaries help: Setting work-life limits around AI-generated content use, taking digital detoxes, and focusing on real usefulness (not hype) can reduce feelings of fatigue.
Companies have a role to play: Employers should normalise AI fatigue discussions, set realistic expectations, and provide proper training and support, not just tell teams to "use ChatGPT."
AI isn’t going away (and that’s okay!): The buzz may fade, but AI systems, AI models and AI tools will become part of daily workflows. It’s important to approach them with curiosity, scepticism, and moderation.
What is AI Fatigue?
“Elon Musk predicts superhuman AI will be smarter than people next year"
"‘Godfather of AI’ shortens odds of the technology wiping out humanity over the next 30 years"
"Why AI Might Not Take All Our Jobs if We Act Quickly"
These are just some of the article titles from a seemingly constant flow of AI-based news content over the last three years, from reputable sources like The Guardian, The Wall Street Journal, and The Financial Times.
And when you read those titles for the first time, it can feel incredibly overwhelming. So much so, the AI anxiety kicks in, the fear of a robot invasion becomes very real, and you may even find yourself experiencing an existential crisis.
But when these articles are coming out every single day, that anxiety and fear can quickly get replaced by another emotion.
Fatigue.
Because I don’t know about you, but I can’t go an hour without someone telling me AI solutions are going to change the world, take my job, make me financially free, or turn on me and kill me for not using ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ in my prompts.
And sure, maybe some of that will happen (not the last one, because my mum taught me my manners at a young age).
But after being bombarded by AI news from every angle, and companies seemingly shoehorning AI systems into every single product and investors meeting to pump up the share price, my response to those thoughts has very quickly become…
…fine?
About a year ago, my feelings toward the potential of generative AI models could not have been more indifferent.
It was almost like the overwhelming amount of content I was consuming had taken me through the entire grieving process: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance, and then…
Indifference.
I now know that feeling has a name: AI fatigue.
A growing sense of exhaustion, overwhelm, or frustration from the constant hype, ‘rapid’ advancements every hour regarding AI’s potential, and frequent disruptions caused by artificial intelligence technologies.
“AI fatigue is that subtle frustration that creeps in when tech takes over too much.”
Matt Gainsford, Senior Consultant at Titus Strategies Marketing.
At first, I thought it was probably just an issue I was experiencing alone, given that I have researched, written about and studied generative AI on a professional level for over three years. I’ve tested nearly every generative AI tool there is, built custom GPTs, and challenged the capabilities of generative AI in every way possible.
However, it’s not just people like me who are deeply immersed in the digital weeds of AI that are experiencing this feeling.
AI fatigue vs. digital fatigue vs. tech burnout
It's also important to understand how AI fatigue fits into the wider landscape of digital exhaustion. While the terms ‘AI fatigue’, ‘digital fatigue’, and ‘tech burnout’ are often used interchangeably, there are meaningful distinctions.
Understanding these differences helps us recognise the specific causes of fatigue rather than generalising all tech-related stress. AI fatigue, in particular, reflects the cultural and psychological impact of constantly evaluating, adopting, and justifying AI’s role in everyday tasks.
What the numbers say
If you’ve been feeling exhausted by the flood of AI tools, updates, and “productivity-boosting” promises, the data is very much on your side. In fact, the stats suggest we’re not just collectively fatigued.
We're burning out.
Let’s break it down:
Burnout is up, especially for frequent AI users
A recent study from Forbes revealed that those who use AI regularly at work are experiencing significantly more burnout than those who don’t. Here's the breakdown:
User Type
Reported Burnout
Frequent AI Users
45%
Infrequent AI Users
38%
Never Use AI
35%
Why the spike for frequent users? Well, here’s an educated guess:
Constant change = constant stress. New tools and updates roll out faster than most people can process, let alone master.
Lack of support. Most orgs are pushing AI adoption faster than they’re providing actual training or resources.
Added pressure. When AI is framed as the silver bullet for productivity, it’s easy to feel like you’re never doing enough, even if you’re working harder than ever.
And this matters. Employees with high burnout are:
1.7x less engaged
2.1x more likely to be job-hunting
So no, it’s not just you. And it’s not just “feeling tired,” it’s a measurable drop in morale, performance, and retention.
AI is supposed to save time. So why are we working more?
According to the same study, 77% of employees using AI say it’s actually increased their workload. That’s right, the very thing that’s supposed to make work easier is doing the opposite.
Let’s unpack that:
47% of AI-using employees say they don’t know how to meet the new productivity expectations their employers have set.
40% feel that companies are asking too much from them when it comes to AI use.
Meanwhile, 96% of C-suite executives believe AI will eventually boost productivity.
This disconnect is creating a kind of workplace whiplash:
Leaders are envisioning sky-high ROI from AI tools.
Employees are stuck trying to figure out how to get there, often without training, support, or even a clear definition of “success.”
The result?
Frustration, confusion, and more fatigue.
Hybrid AI work needs a human reality check
Upwork’s deep dive into AI-enhanced work models confirms what many of us are sensing: AI tools are only as effective as the systems and support around them.
Key findings include:
AI integration can enhance productivity, but only when paired with the right upskilling, culture, and workflows.
On the whole, employees have shared genuine excitement for AI, but they need clarity, not chaos.
The best results came from companies that balanced automation with human creativity and clear expectations.
How Should You Combat Feelings of AI Fatigue
With all that data stacking up, it’s hard to argue that the concept of AI fatigue is not real, and also on the rise.
As the use of generative AI becomes more normalised in the workplace and the tools' capabilities continue to improve, this issue is likely to increase even further.
With that in mind, here are a few ways to combat feelings of AI fatigue.
Set intentional tech boundaries.
First, it’s crucial that you set some intentional, healthy boundaries. I know for me, when I start getting deep into the weeds on something, I often find myself overwhelmed and spiralling. That’s why it’s so important to set boundaries on your AI learning and usage where possible, while also continuing to learn.
For example, I’m writing this part of this article sitting on the sofa on a Sunday night, after a full day of playing cricket on Saturday, and a Sunday spent playing golf and seeing family.
Now I can dive back into generative AI with a refreshed mind and clearer perspective.
During the week, I keep my learning and research time to work hours, and try not to allow that to spill into evenings.
🧘 Pro Tip - Build in Tech-Free Time: Designate “tech-free” days or implement slower AI rollout cycles to give teams room to adapt. This avoids cognitive overload and fosters healthier digital habits.
Focus on usefulness, not hype.
There are so many tools out there, claiming to do everything and anything from replacing your entire workforce, guaranteeing you hit the top rankings of Google, and generating 10 billion leads each month.
The truth is, most of these claims are bs.
I should know, given the fact that I’ve reviewed over 200 different AI humanisers, detectors, SEO tools, and more.
“Before turning to AI, we often ask a colleague for input. A quick Slack message or 10-minute chat can lead to insights we might miss otherwise. This strengthens team collaboration and prevents isolation in AI-driven workflows, where everyone ends up in their own bubble of generated content.”
Germán Ceballos, Head of Marketing at AwardFares
Therefore, you should prioritise tools that actually solve problems, not just what’s trending. Most paid tools like Jasper, Writersonic, or Cuppa AI, for example, use the same basic LLM data and then package it with their own built-in prompts.
Machine learning and deep research are a little bit more technical than that, but we’ll save that for another day!
So really, you can get most of the same results from ChatGPT for free, as long as you have the right expertise and thought process.
If you want to get great insights into how to get the most out of new AI tools and emerging technologies, make sure you’re subscribed to my free newsletter for guidance on how to get the most out of the free options you have, like Perplexity, ChatGPT, Gemini, and more.
🎯 Pro Tip - Use AI Where It Truly Adds Value: Deploy AI only when it clearly improves speed, quality, or outcomes—not just for novelty. Thoughtful use leads to better buy-in and sustained adoption.
Take regular digital detoxes.
In addition to setting boundaries, it’s important to take digital detoxes when needed. Schedule breaks from AI-driven platforms to reconnect with offline activities when you feel the fatigue kicking in, and don’t be too negative with yourself for needing to step away every now and then.
Remember, just by reading this article, you’re already miles ahead of many other people when it comes to this stuff.
Stay curious… but critical.
Approach new AI developments with healthy scepticism instead of pressure to adopt everything. Generative AI is very much here to stay, but that doesn’t mean that you should take every announcement from big AI companies as gospel.
I’ve lost count of the number of times that OpenAI has claimed that they’re months away from the best product ever, only to introduce a slightly more chatty iteration of their previous version.
That’s not to say that innovation isn’t happening, of course it is. AI advancement is very much real, and AI capabilities are evolving rapidly.
But just remember that it’s the job of these companies and business leaders to promote their business and maintain the AI hype surrounding generative AI, to ensure they continue to get much-needed investment in their AI technologies.
If you want to get a more balanced (or even critical!) approach to generative AI, I’d highly recommend signing up to the Ed Zitron newsletter.
Mix up your work habits.
On a day-to-day basis (and where possible), balance AI-assisted tasks with more human-driven creative or strategic work. Generative AI is an incredible tool for improving productivity, but rather than over-relying on it, try to use the time you save to show off your expertise and human creativity.
A prime example I used recently was that I spent a few hours working up some client content briefs with a custom GPT bot, a task that would’ve previously taken a lot longer. Then, I used the additional time to develop a detailed report on some trends I had spotted in specific article titles, building out a proposal for some content optimisation work, helping surprise and delight, and improving client relations as a result.
Talk about it openly.
Lastly, don’t suffer alone. As you can see from the data above, if you’re feeling this way, you’re not the only one!
Like anything in life, it’s better if you talk about it. If my partner is sneakily reading this, this applies to you too!
What Can Companies Do to Help?
But employees shouldn’t be the only ones taking steps to tackle AI fatigue. I also firmly believe that it is up to senior leaders to take the necessary steps to support their team and ensure they aren’t just saying, ‘just get ChatGPT to do it. ’
After all, one of the biggest fears employees have regarding generative AI is job displacement, so it makes sense that employers also tackle this issue with clear communication and ensure their employees aren't suffering from mental exhaustion due to AI adoption overload.
Normalise conversations about AI fatigue
From conversations with people in marketing and even tech over the past year, one trend seems to be very common.
No one wants to talk about generative AI.
Of course, that insight is purely anecdotal, but from those chats, it’s clear that employees often hesitate to share how they use AI out of fear of being replaced.
As a result, they're also scared to say they feel fatigued by AI in case employers think they're not ready to move with the times.
Create safe spaces where employees can express concerns without judgment. AI fear is very real, whether it's redundancy concerns, the thought of working alongside AI agents, or anything in between. It's an employer's job to open the door of discussion, and allow people to share their concerns and get them off their chest.
Offer training and upskilling
As with any challenge, one way to tackle fear and fatigue is through education. Help teams feel confident with AI tools instead of being overwhelmed by constant new releases. Continuous learning is essential with any new technology, and offering quality training to your team can turn fatigue and exhaustion into genuine excitement about the capabilities of AI.
🛠️ Pro Tip - Run Regular AI Audits: Review your team's AI tools quarterly to identify overlap, inefficiency, or underused platforms. Streamlining usage helps reduce tool fatigue and boosts productivity.
Encourage tech-free time
Tech-free time is crucial to allow teams to recharge their batteries and stay creatively fresh. A constant stream of AI demands is a surefire way to push your team to the brink of exhaustion.
“At Be-Well, we’ve implemented what we call ‘digital digestion pauses.” After intense periods of screen time, like writing with ChatGPT or using AI dashboards, we guide teams to physically look away, name 3 things they see, feel their feet on the ground, and take a few breaths to reconnect with their body. It may sound simple, but across teams it reduces that fried, overstimulated edge and restores a sense of calm presence.”
Ali Kates, Somatic Experience Practitioner & Founder of Be-Well
Promote habits like no-AI days, deep work sessions, or tech-free meetings when possible, allowing your team space to become more comfortable with using AI tools more regularly.
Lead by example
Leadership should model balanced, mindful AI use to set the tone across the organisation. In times of fatigue or fear, the biggest thing that people want is to be led with confidence and kindness.
Ensure you're fully up to speed with the latest iterations and technology, so that you can answer questions with confidence and identify AI fatigue signs before they become too serious.
Final Thoughts
Let’s be real. AI isn’t going anywhere.
AI is becoming a regular part of our day-to-day workflows, not necessarily in the “robot overlords” sense, but more like “yet another tool we’re expected to master on top of everything else.”
But here’s the key: just because AI is everywhere, doesn’t mean it has to be everything.
We don’t need to hop on every shiny new tool the second it drops, or let AI take over every single task just because it can.
As with most things in life (coffee, carbs, binge-watching productivity TikToks), moderation is everything.
It’s perfectly okay, even wise, to take a step back, catch your breath, and question the hype. Staying curious, asking better questions, and being intentional with how (and why) we use AI is what will really help us thrive in this new tech-driven reality, not just blindly chasing every update or buzzword.
So if you’ve been feeling a little worn out from all the AI chatter, you're not alone, and you’re definitely not broken.
You’re probably just human.
If you want to stay grounded, informed, and a little less overwhelmed by it all, subscribe to my free newsletter where we break down what’s actually useful in the world of AI, without the BS, fear-mongering, or buzzword overload.
Frequently Asked Questions About AI Fatigue
How can you tell the difference between AI fatigue and general tech burnout?
AI fatigue is a specific feeling of overwhelm, skepticism, or exhaustion related to the constant discussion, use, and updates about artificial intelligence.
General tech burnout tends to cover a wider range of technologies and often includes physical symptoms like screen fatigue.
Is AI fatigue different for different industries or job roles?
Yes, AI fatigue varies by industry and role. Tech workers may feel pressure to constantly adapt, while marketers may be overwhelmed by AI-driven shifts in customer behavior. Meanwhile, educators or healthcare workers could experience fatigue from ethical concerns.
Can AI fatigue impact innovation or productivity?
Absolutely. When teams or individuals experience AI fatigue, they may resist new tools, delay adoption, or become cynical about emerging tech, leading to slower innovation and decreased productivity.
What are some myths or misconceptions about AI fatigue?
Common misconceptions include:
"Only non-tech-savvy people experience AI fatigue."
"It’s just a phase that doesn’t impact real work."
In reality, even seasoned tech professionals and leadership teams are feeling it, and it can affect strategic decisions.
Are there positive sides to AI fatigue?
Surprisingly, yes.. AI fatigue can drive healthier tech habits by encouraging businesses and individuals to critically assess what tools they actually need, instead of chasing every new trend.
