Cognitive Offloading in the AI Age: A Psychological Study of Mental Laziness Among Gen Z Employees

Abstract

Rising of Artificial Intelligence into workplaces has changed the ways in which tasks are performed, decisions made, and knowledge processed. Despite making tasks more efficient and convenient to perform, this technology causes another psychological issue termed cognitive offloading, which implies the requirement for external devices to ease mental workload. This paper investigates the association between cognitive offloading and mental laziness among Generation Z employees.

By employing the descriptive and analytical approaches, main data which primary data was collected from 103 participants by using structured questionnaire google form. The aspects of using AI technology, independent problem-solving abilities, concentration levels, and perception of cognitive shifts have been studied.

It is evident that most participants actively use AI, and nearly 70% report that at times they have become mentally lazy due to AI technology. In addition, lower mental efforts, lower attention span, and lower motivation to think independently have been identified. If we look at other side, some participants have shown signs of being aware of and regulating their use of technology.

This research or study concludes that although using AI increases productivity immensely, too much dependency may lead to negative outcomes in terms of cognitive activity. Therefore, HR measures, such as AI technology education, should be recommended.