GenAI Chatbots for Knowledge Work: A Help or a Hindrance?

Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) is rapidly evolving and becoming ubiquitous in many areas of our life. In particular, many workplaces have now adopted this technology to assist in and expedite their knowledge workers’ day-to-day labors. As this technology continues to evolve and takes its place alongside humans as a fundamental piece of our global cognitive architecture, it would be appropriate for us to understand its effects on human cognition so that we can implement policies, procedures, and guardrails that facilitate its effective adoption and mitigate any negative impacts it might have. I provide findings on the cognitive effects of GenAI chatbot use, identify factors which determine its efficacy, and provide practical policy suggestions which can increase efficacy and decrease negative cognitive impacts in the workplace.