A growing trend suggests that increased reliance on technology may be leading to a decrease in overall screen time, as individuals experience “productive laziness,” according to recent observations.
The phenomenon, highlighted in a report on March 7, 2026, indicates that as technology handles more tasks, people are becoming less inclined to endlessly scroll through digital content. This shift challenges the conventional wisdom that increased technological integration automatically equates to increased screen time.
Experts suggest that this form of “laziness” isn’t necessarily negative. In fact, it can lead to increased energy and mental clarity, particularly for individuals with attention deficit disorders. Research indicates that actively avoiding constant digital stimulation can be more beneficial than relentless engagement.
However, concerns remain about the broader implications of outsourcing cognitive effort to artificial intelligence. Professor Erik Scherder, a clinical neuropsychologist, argues in his new book, Liever moe dan lui (Preferably Tired Than Lazy), that relying too heavily on technology can diminish our own intellectual capabilities. He provocatively refers to AI as “Afnemende Intelligentie” – Decreasing Intelligence – suggesting that constant reliance on automated systems can lead to a decline in brain function.
Scherder’s work emphasizes the importance of mental and physical exertion for maintaining brain health. Activities like problem-solving, learning, and physical exercise are crucial for keeping the brain active and engaged. The book posits that the human brain thrives on challenge and that avoiding effort can have detrimental long-term consequences. This perspective is particularly relevant as technology increasingly automates tasks previously requiring human cognitive input.
The professor contends that fatigue isn’t a negative signal, but rather an indication that the brain is being actively used. His research suggests that embracing effort and challenge is essential for sustained cognitive vitality. The findings underscore a growing debate about the balance between technological convenience and the preservation of human intellectual capacity.
Interestingly, the initial observations about reduced scrolling are linked to this very phenomenon – a conscious or subconscious decision to disengage from constant digital input, leading to a decrease in screen time. The trend, first noted on March 7, 2026, suggests a potential shift in how individuals interact with technology.
