AI Is Eroding Our Thinking | Psychiatrist Explains

Are we becoming worse at thinking? As a psychiatrist, I’ve had multiple patients recently tell me they feel like they’re “getting dumber.” Not in a dramatic way—but in a quieter, more concerning way: feeling mentally foggy, struggling to focus, and losing confidence in their ability to think through problems on their own. In this video, I explore a growing concern I have about the psychological impact of AI. Not because AI is inherently bad—but because it may be removing something essential to how our minds develop and stay sharp: cognitive effort. We’ll break down: Why struggle and “cognitive friction” are actually necessary for a healthy mind How AI differs from past technologies that made life easier What I’m starting to see clinically in patients How this connects to ideas from Antifragile by Nassim Nicholas Taleb The potential long-term consequences for mental health, confidence, and resilience And how to use AI in a way that supports your thinking rather than replaces it This isn’t about rejecting technology. It’s about being intentional—so that convenience doesn’t quietly cost us something much more important. Because if we outsource too much of our thinking… we may not just lose skill. We may lose our sense that we’re capable of thinking at all. Disclaimer This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It does not replace evaluation or treatment by a licensed mental health professional. If you are experiencing mental health concerns, please seek care from a qualified provider. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:22 Offloading Cognition to AI 5:59 Being Antifragile 10:20 Hope