AI adoption is surging, with businesses pouring millions into tools they believe will transform productivity. Yet research warns that over-reliance on AI could be eroding the very human skills needed to get the most from it—risking both successful adoption and long-term economic benefits.
The concern, highlighted by learning scientists at Multiverse, is that organisations focus so heavily on acquiring AI tools that they overlook the capabilities of the people using them. Without strong human skills, investments in AI may fail to deliver their potential.
Beyond the perfect prompt
Gary Eimerman, Chief Learning Officer at Multiverse, notes that the real challenge is a human-and-technology problem, not just a technical one. Skills like analytical reasoning, creativity, and ethical judgment are essential for turning AI outputs into meaningful, reliable results.
The difference between a casual AI user and a “power user” lies not in prompt-writing tricks, but in how they interpret, verify, and refine what the AI produces. Analytical reasoning helps users decide when a task is right for AI, while creativity fuels innovative applications rather than incremental tweaks.
Resilience and adaptability still matter
AI use is rarely flawless on the first try. Persistence, adaptability, and curiosity help users push past poor outputs and explore better solutions. Ethical oversight and fact-checking remain critical, ensuring that AI complements rather than compromises decision-making.
Training active drivers, not passive passengers
As Imogen Stanley of Multiverse points out, the competitive advantage won’t come from owning the most advanced model—it will come from nurturing a workforce skilled at guiding AI effectively. That means investing as much in human capability as in the technology itself.
If we fail to develop these complementary skills, we risk building a future where we have all the answers at our fingertips but have forgotten how to ask the right questions.
Source: https://www.artificialintelligence-news.com/news/ai-obsession-costing-us-our-human-skills/
