Human agency is quietly disappearing as decisions we once made ourselves are increasingly outsourced to algorithms, which we perceive as productivity. This shift results in a loss of independent judgment and original thought, as friction, which is essential for thinking and curiosity, is minimized. The convenience of instant answers and pre-selected information leads to a psychological shift where people become uncomfortable with uncertainty and slow thinking. This change does not manifest as overt control but as a subtle loss of freedom, as individuals become more guided than empowered. Understanding this shift is crucial as it highlights the need to maintain our ability to think independently and critically in an increasingly automated world.
