My boyfriend's use of AI stops him thinking for himself

My boyfriend of eight years, who is 44, has ADHD and runs his own business.

- Annalisa Barbieri

He’s always struggled with admin and mundane tasks, but Al has revolutionised how he works. Now I’m worried he can’t seem to do anything without AI. He is a heavy ChatGPT user and uses it even when there’s a better non-AI alternative (eg he'll ask it for train times rather than using Trainline, even though it’s less accurate). He just got his ChatGPT Wrapped and he’s in the top 0.3% of users worldwide.I worry about his ability to think independently. I know it’s a useful tool for him at work, but he uses it for everything in life.

I'm very aware I can come across as quite naggy, and his ADHD can make him obsessive. I’d love some advice on how to approach talking about this with him.

Running a business can be stressful, and although your boyfriend’s ADHD may be a factor, I wonder if he is anxious anyway and whether his use of AI is a symptom rather than the cause.

I took your letter to consultant clinical psychologist and psychoanalyst Dr Stephen Blumenthal and Henry Shelford, CEO of ADHD UK.