Warnings over growing reliance on AI as Suffolk expert say overuse could impact thinking and wellbeing
Last updated 27th Apr 2026
An academic has warned that growing reliance on artificial intelligence could leave people “brain fried” if it replaces independent thinking rather than supports it.
Nicholas Caldwell, Professor of Information Systems Engineering and Director of the Digital Futures Institute at the University of Suffolk, said the rapid rise of AI tools presents both opportunity and risk, particularly as their use becomes routine in everyday tasks.
He said while AI can be helpful in certain situations, overuse could have unintended consequences for how people think and work.
“If you end up in a workplace where everything is a two-minute task… you’re all going to end up brain fried,” he said.
“You’ll be working so much harder and spending all your time checking the answers.”
‘Use it sparingly’
Professor Caldwell said he uses AI “incredibly rarely”, choosing instead to rely on his own expertise, particularly when working with sensitive or complex information.
He cautioned that while AI can speed up processes, it often requires careful checking, which can offset time saved and create new pressures.
“The moment you stop checking the answers, it’ll go wrong,” he said.
The warning comes as AI tools become increasingly embedded in workplaces, education and daily life, with many people using them for writing, research and problem-solving.
Risk of over-reliance
Professor Caldwell also raised concerns about the way AI systems are designed to keep users engaged, drawing comparisons with social media algorithms.
He said users may be subtly guided towards certain types of content without fully understanding how those systems work.
“It’ll spin you yarns to keep you engaged,” he said.
“You click once and it thinks you want more of that again and again.”
He added that, unlike human interaction, AI systems are ultimately driven by patterns and probabilities, generating responses that appear convincing, but are not based on understanding.
Balancing benefits and caution
Despite his concerns, Professor Caldwell acknowledged AI has a role to play — particularly when used for tasks people cannot easily complete themselves or when time is limited.
However, he said it should not replace critical thinking or human interaction.
“Do something that isn’t engaging for large periods of time with something that is not a human being,” he said.
“Go talk to a human… do something different.”
Wider debate
His comments reflect a broader debate about how society should adapt to increasingly powerful AI systems, balancing efficiency and innovation with ethical considerations and long-term impacts.
Professor Caldwell said even within the tech sector, there is unease about the direction some developments are taking.
“We’ve been working for decades on artificial intelligence,” he said.
“And then when this flavour comes, we’re all going… this isn’t what we signed up to be doing.”