I have been prognosticating for some time about the threats of disuse atrophy. See Will the Heimlich be Required; Disuse Atrophy (December 2024). That post mentions Idiocracy (20th Century 2006), and references other posts. Most recently, Indeed Sancho Panza (July 2025) overviews the results of testing in which reliance on AI large language models demonstrated a diminishment of writing skills. Despite the mounting evidence, many on social media remain skeptical.
I have been warning that we humans are ripe for losing our skill set. This has been illustrated time and again. My great-grandfather crafted wagon wheels from trees using only hand tools. He knew where and how to drill an effective well to supply his farm. He could take down an oak tree with a two-man saw and land it where he wanted. These may not be the tales of legend—he never landed on the moon, scaled Everest, etc.—but they are skills.
He had skills. They are intriguing and interesting. I have none of those skills. The advent of technology and modern living relieved me of needing those skills. I was blessed not to have to learn them.
Disuse atrophy, according to the Cleveland Clinic:
"Disuse (physiologic) atrophy occurs when you don’t use your muscles enough"
I contend that this muscle-focused concern can be similarly exhibited in the brain. Another recent study seemingly supports this contention. Fortune reports that "leaning on the technology too hard may prevent professionals from keeping their own skills sharp."
This was demonstrated by "endoscopists introduced to AI-assistance tools during colonoscopies (who) had a lower rate of detecting abnormalities after having said tools taken away." One expert "speculated that the decrease in detection rates was, in part, a result of overreliance on AI."
The article cites other examples in which decreased human skill may result from overreliance on technology. Fortune notes that "The results ... call into question a potential laziness developing as a result of an overreliance on AI." It also illustrates challenges with the simpler foundation "of analog training."
In the broadest context, there is a "growing body of research questioning humans’ ability to use AI without compromising their own skillset." There is accumulating research that supports "AI increase(s) work efficiency, but reduce(s) critical engagement with content, atrophying judgment skills."
Atrophying skills is the critical point in all of these examples. There is some human tendency toward reliance. With an AI checking the punctuation, we are likely to lose our focus on that criticality. The same will be present in a variety of occupations, vocations, and responsibilities.
The evidence is mounting. There seems to be every reason to be concerned about overreliance on technology generally and on AI specifically. Those who will be the most dangerous with these new tools are, of course, those who lack experience and skills; those who complacently stand on the shoulders of others and engage these technologies thoughtlessly and effortlessly.
But the risk remains for the experienced and skilled, as their reliance is likely to result in an acquired complacency or worse. Their experience and skills are likely to diminish over time because of the crutch provided by AI. The path to Idiocracy seems both clear and easily predicted.
There will be instances of overreliance, atrophy, and failure. Will it be yours, or will you relegate those effects to others?
