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You might be suffering from AI brain fry | It's Been a Minute

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April 13, 2026

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Is AI in the workplace lightening your load...or frying your brain?

Researchers at Boston Consulting Group and the University of California, Riverside coined the term "AI brain fry () " to describe “mental fatigue that results from excessive use of, interaction with, and/or oversight of AI tools beyond one's cognitive capacity.” In other words, doing too much with A.I.

There's something kind of comically tragic about the idea that these tools that were meant to lighten our loads seem to be doing the opposite for some. But beyond the psychic damage, there's a lot in this brain fry idea that points to how we work with AI: for example, with all the managing it needs, is turning us all into bosses? And is this really the future of work?

Brittany is joined by John Herrman () , tech columnist for New York Magazine, to get into the ins and outs of AI brain fry.

(00:00) Who gets "AI brain fry"

(05:34) The strange incentives behind more AI-powered output

(09:30) Is working with AI simulating management?

(12:42) How AI chat tools challenge workplace boundaries

(16:18) The anxious future of work with AI

For more episodes about AI and modern life, check out:

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Guests & Subjects Covered

Is AIBoston Consulting GroupCalifornia RiversideAI There'sJohn HerrmanNew York MagazineHow AIAI For

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