What did people do when the internet wasn’t around, and they had to figure something out? What happened when their watch didn’t tell them how they felt today, or when self-improvement didn’t come from Youtubers and podcasters disguised as self-help coaches? It’s a fascinating thought experiment, but it’s also a reflection of how drastically our relationship with knowledge, creativity, and human connection has shifted.
We live in an era where artificial intelligence and instant access to information can answer almost any question in seconds. It’s an incredible gift, but like all advancements, it’s not without consequences. We coach people on the topic of motivation and performance and there’s no doubt that AI capabilities can enhance performance. The question that is still to be answered is, what long-term affect could AI have on our motivation to do hard things? And subsequently, what impact does this have on our sense of fulfilment?
In this article we’ll explore how the growing reliance on digital answers is changing our motivations and sense of purpose.
The Double-Edged Sword of Instant Knowledge
There’s no doubt that AI and the internet have transformed our lives for the better. Need to solve a complex problem at work? AI can offer options. Want to learn a new skill? There’s a tutorial for that. These tools save time, increase efficiency, and make previously inaccessible knowledge available to millions.
But with these promises come pitfalls – ones that can profoundly impact our intrinsic motivators. Two key issues stand out:
- A Decline in Human Connection: When answers are so easily found online, the need to seek guidance from other people diminishes. Historically, we sought wisdom from mentors, peers, and communities. These interactions didn’t just give us answers—they built relationships, fostered trust, and created a sense of belonging. Research from the American Psychological Association (APA) highlights how social connections are one of the strongest predictors of happiness and fulfilment (Lyubomirsky, 2007). Replacing these interactions with AI risks leaving us feeling isolated and disconnected.
- A Decline in Effort and Creativity: The easier it becomes to find solutions, the less effort we’re required to exert. Struggle and creativity are two key drivers of intrinsic motivation (Amabile, 1996). When everything comes prepackaged and ready to go, we’re robbed of the challenges that make success truly meaningful. Solving problems without shortcuts isn’t just about the outcome—it’s about the growth, resilience, and creativity we develop along the way.
Finding Balance: Fulfilment vs. Competition
The rapid pace of change and the pressure to keep up with competitors have made it easier than ever to get caught up in doing things the quickest, most efficient way. Social media amplifies this, with constant updates about others’ achievements, innovations, and shortcuts. It’s easy to feel like you’re falling behind if you’re not embracing every new tool or trend immediately.
But here’s the question: Will taking the easiest route be as fulfilling as doing it yourself? While there’s no denying the advantages of speed and efficiency, there’s also something deeply rewarding about putting in the effort, facing challenges, and creating something uniquely yours. Fulfilment often comes from the process, not just the outcome. By rushing to get ahead, we risk losing the opportunity to experience the satisfaction of learning, growing, and overcoming obstacles.
What’s at Stake? Our Key Motivators
The rise of AI and instant solutions risks undermining several key motivators that are fundamental to human fulfilment:
- Purpose: When answers are instant, we spend less time reflecting on why we’re pursuing a goal. Purpose isn’t about finding quick solutions; it’s about aligning with deeper values and long-term aspirations.
- Mastery: Mastery comes from practice, iteration, and learning through trial and error. If AI delivers instant solutions, the motivation to develop expertise or mastery diminishes.
- Connection: Replacing human conversations with digital interactions means we’re not building relationships through shared struggles and mutual support.
- Creativity: The less we engage in problem-solving, the fewer opportunities we have to think creatively and innovate. I would also argue that AI unleashes creativity in other ways when used in the right way, but it’s a fine balance.
* These motivators are 4 of the 9 profiled in our MOJO motivation profiling tool which we use with clients
What Can We Do About It?
The solution isn’t to reject AI or the internet – it’s to balance their benefits with practices that nurture our intrinsic motivators. Here’s how:
1. Seek Human Interaction for Answers
Next time you face a challenge, resist the urge to Google it immediately. Instead, ask a colleague, mentor, or friend. The conversation might give you more than just the answer, it could spark new ideas, strengthen your relationship, or offer a perspective you hadn’t considered.
2. Embrace Challenges
Don’t always take the easy route. When a problem arises, take the time to explore it creatively before seeking a shortcut. The struggle is where growth happens. As psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s work on flow shows, deep engagement and satisfaction come from tackling challenges that stretch our abilities (1990).
3. Find Purpose Beyond the Task
Reflect on why you’re doing what you’re doing. Whether it’s a work project or a personal goal, connect it to your broader values. Purpose isn’t found in the answer – it’s found in the journey.
4. Use AI as a Partner, Not a Replacement
AI can be a powerful tool, but it should complement your efforts, not replace them. Use it to enhance your creativity and problem-solving, not bypass them entirely.
Final Thought: Understanding Motivation in the World of AI
The irony isn’t lost on me that ChatGPT helped us find the research to back up our thoughts. But the process of reflecting, writing, and connecting with my own motivations added a layer of fulfilment that instant answers alone couldn’t provide. As AI becomes more embedded in our lives, understanding your intrinsic motivators will be critical for staying engaged, creative, and connected.
The world of AI offers unprecedented convenience, but it’s up to us to ensure it doesn’t come at the cost of what gives us the most satisfaction. So, how will you balance the carrot of convenience with the stick of meaningful effort? Understanding your motivations might just be the answer.