Go Without AI Once a Week, Tech Adviser Tells IMF Audience in Bangkok

The call for weekly AI-free periods addresses concerns that over-reliance on artificial intelligence could degrade fundamental human skills. This is particularly relevant in high-stakes professions like policing or medicine, where the ability to operate independently is critical if AI systems fail due to cyberattacks or infrastructure disruptions. Khanna suggested that large companies might eventually maintain small, AI-isolated teams to preserve these essential capabilities.

Khanna also highlighted a potential negative impact on learning, citing research that students using AI for homework scored about 25% worse on exams because they did not retain the material. This points to a challenge for education systems: integrating AI tools while simultaneously teaching students to think critically, question AI's output, and engage in non-AI-assisted discussions to counter biases.

For businesses, Khanna cautioned against a simplistic approach of merely providing every employee with an AI assistant. She argued this often leads to perceived productivity without moving key metrics like margins or customer numbers. Instead, she advised leaders to focus AI on three to five core workflows and track specific metrics to ensure meaningful business transformation. Singapore's model, offering free courses, 'skills passports,' and subsidies for firms retraining older workers, was presented as a comprehensive national strategy to protect workers amidst AI adoption.