In an era dominated by artificial intelligence and endless scrolling, a timely question is gaining traction: Is AI quietly stripping away what makes us human? According to a fresh report from The News International, social psychologist Jonathan Haidt – NYU Stern professor and author of The Anxious Generation – is sounding the alarm.

Haidt points to a perfect storm: AI tools, social media, and short-form videos have slashed the average human attention span to just 8 seconds – shorter than a goldfish’s. Multitasking and constant context-switching create “switch costs” that slow performance and increase errors, especially for professionals like doctors and pilots. The result? People are becoming “less intelligent, less happy, less competent… and this is happening very fast.”

Broader research echoes these concerns. A Harvard Gazette analysis highlights “cognitive atrophy” from over-reliance on AI, warning that outsourcing thinking weakens critical skills and intuitive leaps only human brains can make. Meanwhile, the “empathy paradox” emerges: the more human-like we make AI companions, the more we start viewing real people as interchangeable machines.

Psychologists are also clear that AI chatbots cannot replace human therapists. They lack genuine empathy, sometimes amplify rejection or stigma, and violate core ethical standards that licensed professionals must follow.

The good news? We still hold the power to push back. Haidt and other experts recommend simple, proven steps: delay smartphones until high school, ban phones from classrooms, prioritize free play, and protect real-world relationships. Use AI as a tool – not a crutch – to boost creativity rather than replace it.

As we race toward smarter machines, the real challenge is remembering what makes us irreplaceably human: deep focus, messy emotions, and authentic connections. The choice is ours – will we let AI redefine humanity, or will we use it to become even more human? The conversation is just beginning.