AI productivity has an 'intense' downside, new study says

Group 1 - The AI revolution is claimed to potentially reduce work hours for many, with figures like Bill Gates suggesting a two- or three-day workweek could become feasible due to AI advancements [2][3] - Elon Musk envisions a future where AI eradicates poverty and provides abundance in goods and services, although skepticism exists regarding these optimistic predictions [2][3] - Current trends indicate that AI is already impacting the job market, with a significant portion of tech layoffs in 2025 being AI-related, amounting to nearly 30% of the total layoffs [4] Group 2 - Research indicates that the assumption AI always reduces work may require further scrutiny, as the reality may differ from the promises made by AI advocates [5] - Employees have been slow to adopt AI tools, with many not recognizing their utility, yet those who have adopted them are experiencing increased workloads and longer hours [6][8] - A study conducted by UC Berkeley researchers found that employees with access to generative AI technology worked faster and took on more tasks, often without being prompted [7][8]