The AI companies are on a relentless push for all of use to be maximally productive (by using their tools). In doing so, a low hanging target is to use AI tools to eliminate “busy work”, which for them means tasks that can be automated by AI. Things like making to do lists, scheduling, doing non-critical writing all seem to be included. But is there value in doing the mundane?
For example, should making todo lists be outsourced to AI tools? Personally I find value in going through my list of projects, thinking about timelines, and deciding where and how to spend my time. Maybe my project list is not that long compared to some? And I rarely spend that much time on making todo lists.
Another example is low level writing (e.g., non critical emails). Personally I would feel like a chucklehead using an AI tool to compose an email I would send to colleagues and friends. If I am going to ask for their time to read something from me, shouldn’t I write it? And even in writing as simple email, maybe I will find a new idea?
The second example is my fear. If we automate all the work perceived as busy work, will we miss idea generating opportunities? Does all “high level” work occur only when doing high level work?