Is your partner’s reliance on AI becoming a crutch rather than a tool? It’s a question many are starting to grapple with as artificial intelligence weaves itself into our daily lives. Here’s the situation: My partner of eight years, a 44-year-old entrepreneur with ADHD, has found a lifeline in AI, particularly ChatGPT. It’s transformed how he manages his business, streamlining tasks that once felt insurmountable due to his struggles with focus and organization. But here’s where it gets controversial—he’s now using it for everything, even when simpler, more accurate alternatives exist. For instance, he’ll ask ChatGPT for train schedules instead of using a dedicated app like Trainline, despite its occasional inaccuracies. His recent ChatGPT Wrapped revealed he’s in the top 0.3% of users globally, which, while impressive, has me worried. And this is the part most people miss: It’s not just about efficiency; it’s about whether his over-reliance is eroding his ability to think independently—and the environmental toll of such heavy usage.
I’m walking a tightrope here. I don’t want to come across as nagging, especially since his ADHD can make him hyper-focused on certain tools or routines. But I can’t shake the feeling that this goes beyond productivity. Is his dependence on AI a symptom of deeper anxiety, or is it the root cause? To get some clarity, I consulted two experts: Dr. Stephen Blumenthal, a clinical psychologist and psychoanalyst, and Henry Shelford, CEO of ADHD UK.
Dr. Blumenthal raised a provocative point: Are we on the brink of a new psychological condition—‘chatbot overdependence syndrome’? He explains that while AI can be a game-changer for someone with ADHD—helping with focus, planning, and execution—it also carries the risk of over-reliance. ‘When AI use exceeds the problem it’s meant to solve, it can feel like a relationship,’ he says. ‘We start projecting human qualities onto it, seeking validation and care.’ This isn’t just about convenience; it’s about emotional dependency.
Shelford, on the other hand, suggests that AI might be serving as a ‘flotation aid’ for my partner, helping him stay afloat in areas where he struggles. ‘AI can be a rabbit hole,’ he admits, ‘but it can also structure thoughts, schedule tasks, and boost productivity.’ The challenge, however, is when it becomes a substitute for self-reliance rather than a supplement.
Here’s the controversial part: Could my partner’s heavy AI use be a form of self-doubt? Blumenthal warns that over-dependence can be ‘pernicious,’ eroding confidence in one’s own abilities. Shelford recommends a thoughtful approach: Instead of criticizing, ask questions like, ‘What are you getting out of it? What gaps is it filling?’ This opens a dialogue without triggering defensiveness.
Both experts agree that the first step is acknowledging there might be a problem—but doing so with compassion. Blumenthal emphasizes, ‘Being without ChatGPT might feel like losing a safety net. The conversation needs to be gentle, recognizing the anxiety behind the dependency.’ The silver lining? My partner has a history of functioning well without AI, so there’s hope he can strike a balance where it enhances, rather than replaces, his natural abilities.
But here’s the question I’m left with—and I’d love to hear your thoughts: As AI becomes more integrated into our lives, how do we ensure it empowers us without becoming a crutch? Is over-reliance on AI a personal failing, or a societal shift we’re all navigating? Let’s discuss in the comments—I’m genuinely curious to hear your perspectives.
