I had a great conversation with a long-time friend/colleague over lunch yesterday. One topic we discussed: is AI making people less productive?

I've experienced the "artificial productivity" feeling of using AI. Writing the perfect instructions to help the AI improve its output… rather than just writing the output myself. Running multiple agents on complex tasks… and losing overall time to the switching cost of reviewing the chat when I jump between them. Crafting a prompt… and watching and waiting while it completes.

No matter how busy those feel, they're not productive.

I've also experienced AI's massive productivity gains. Research that would have taken hours, done in minutes. Real consistency in design and language. Solid, thoughtful reviews of writing or projects. Completion of technical tasks beyond my know-how.

Can AI amplify us? Yes.

Can we get in our own way as it does? Also yes.

BUSY ISN'T THE SAME AS PRODUCTIVE.

When you consider using AI, ask yourself honestly: is AI going to elevate what I could do by myself? Or is it just going to sideline my brain?

AI as a power-up for your research? Check.

AI as an augmentation of your technical skills? Check.

AI as a typing monkey you have to keep prodding until it churns out something close to the language you want? Um, no. Just write your own dang writing.

The question we all need to ask isn't "can AI do this for me?" Often, it can.

The right question is "will AI enhance what I can do?"