Is AI Too Tempting? How To Stay In Charge Of Your Screen Time

We hear a lot about how useful artificial intelligence (AI) can be, but have you ever stopped to think if it could be a bit too… engaging? There's a growing conversation about whether AI, specifically tools like ChatGPT, might be a bit addictive, much like social media or video games.

It’s not just about spending hours online; it’s about how these tools are designed. AI can give you instant answers, personalised content, and even fun, interactive chats. This immediate gratification can make it very appealing to keep coming back, sometimes unconsciously, as a first port of call for questions or even just for a quick chat.

The real question here for us everyday Aussies isn't just about 'is it addictive?' but 'who is responsible?' Is it Big Tech companies designing these tools, or is it up to us to manage our screen time and digital habits, just like with anything else? It’s probably a bit of both, but understanding the potential for over-reliance is the first step to staying in control.

For small business owners, this might mean thinking about how your team uses AI. Are they using it as a helpful tool, or are they relying on it too heavily? And for parents, it's another thing to consider when looking at kids' screen time. As AI becomes more common in our lives, being mindful of how much we use it – and why – will be really important.