Growing reliance on artificial intelligence tools in the workplace may be contributing to a decline in human expertise, according to emerging research that has raised concerns among professionals in medicine, technology, and other industries.

Recent studies suggest that excessive dependence on AI systems can lead to “deskilling,” a process in which individuals gradually lose proficiency in tasks they once performed independently. Researchers say the phenomenon is beginning to appear in fields such as healthcare and software engineering, where AI tools are increasingly integrated into daily workflows.

One study found that physicians who regularly used an AI-assisted system during colonoscopies became less effective at independently identifying pre-cancerous growths after growing accustomed to the technology’s support. The findings have fueled concerns that overreliance on AI could weaken critical diagnostic skills over time.

Healthcare professionals themselves appear worried about the trend. A recent survey of U.S. healthcare workers reported that 77 percent of physicians and 70 percent of nurses fear losing important skills as AI becomes more widely used in clinical settings.

Researchers are also examining similar effects in software development and other knowledge-based professions. Experts warn that while AI can improve efficiency and reduce repetitive workloads, delegating too many tasks to automated systems may limit opportunities for professionals to practice and refine their own abilities.

Kevin Crowston, an information scientist at Syracuse University, believes awareness is key. He argues that understanding the risks of AI-driven deskilling can encourage individuals to consider which skills they want to preserve and which tasks they are comfortable outsourcing to technology.

Despite the concerns, researchers do not suggest abandoning AI altogether. Instead, they advocate for a balanced approach that leverages the benefits of artificial intelligence while ensuring that professionals continue to maintain and strengthen their core competencies.

As AI becomes more deeply embedded in workplaces around the world, experts say the challenge will be finding ways to use these powerful tools without sacrificing the expertise and judgment that remain uniquely human.