Generative AI can feel like a superpower. Along with an efficiency boost, the sheer range of help it offers, from recipes to relationship advice, is tantalizing.

But there are hidden risks. AI can make things so easy that we start outsourcing attention, memory, and confidence. We rely less on our judgment, reasoning, and self-soothing when faced with a problem. I noticed this tendency in myself when I began prompting ChatGPT for possible explanations and advice for a dental problem, giving it hourly updates and hanging on every word of its reassurance.

I know I’m not alone in leaning on my friendly, compassionate, and nerve-settling artificial assistant. Around 66% of people worldwide use some form of AI regularly, and about 500–600 million engage with AI daily (across all AI tools, not just chatbots). AI has become increasingly embedded in our work and home lives, with 34% of respondents in one survey saying they use it for personal and relationship advice, and 75% of workers saying they use AI as part of their jobs.

But just how frequently are we actually using chatbots?

According to OpenAI data, ChatGPT users........

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