The man who tried 200 to-do apps has some advice about AI
Platformer Casey Newton
David Pierce, a technology journalist who has tested approximately 200 to-do apps, argues that AI's current workplace value is limited to automating routine tasks like file conversion and email filtering, but lacks judgment for complex work. Pierce demonstrates through his personal experience that AI tools are frequently unreliable—his email AI filter makes numerous mistakes—and emphasizes that no transformative changes to work have actually occurred despite widespread hype. His advice for workers is to ignore pressure to adopt AI, focus on tools that handle mundane tasks while preserving skills-building work, and treat AI as ordinary software rather than a revolutionary technology.
Why it matters
The Verge's David Pierce kicks off our new series on staying productive in the AI era — starting with why you should stop trying to stay ahead
