Rise of AI and Quiet Brain Drain in Millennials, Gen Z

AI can analyse data, generate campaign ideas, but it can't feel market sentiment

- YESUDAS S. PILLAI

We talk a lot about how Artificial Intelligence is transforming productivity, creativity and business models. But there's an undercurrent we're not talking about enough: the subtle, creeping erosion of original thinking, especially among the younger workforce.

The rise of convenience culture—from quick commerce to quick answers—is reshaping not just what we do, but how we think. Or rather, if we think.

We are building businesses today that are optimized for speed, immediacy and instant gratification. And while the market rewards agility, there's a growing concern: are we trading away cognitive depth, intellectual resilience and original problem-solving for the illusion of efficiency?

AI: Tool or crutch?

I've always encouraged my teams to approach their managers not just with problems, but with possible solutions—even if tentative. Why? Because the act of problem-solving, even imperfectly, sharpens the mind. It builds muscle memory for leadership. And yes, even insecure managers respect talent when it shows initiative.