I completely missed what ChatGPT was doing to me—until an 11-minute phone call made it painfully obvious
Fast Company Tech
by Inc.February 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The article explores the unintended consequences of developing a highly efficient, no-nonsense communication style with AI tools like ChatGPT, which eventually spilled over into human interactions, particularly during a customer service call. The author, who uses AI for various tasks like business strategy, physical therapy planning, and personal finance management, had deliberately set up his interactions with AI to be blunt, direct, and free of unnecessary niceties. Over time, this approach became second nature, leading him to adopt the same tone with a customer service representative during an attempt to return $600 worth of Warby Parker glasses. The call, which should have been straightforward, turned into a tense exchange due to poor connection, interruptions, and mismatched expectations about communication style.
The author realized midway that he was treating the customer service rep like a machine, using phrases like “Stop. I didn’t ask you that” and demanding only specific information. This moment of self-awareness made him reflect on how his reliance on AI had eroded his ability to engage empathetically with humans. While he found it efficient to strip emotional elements from interactions with AI, he recognized the importance of patience and kindness in human communication. The article highlights the fine line between optimizing for speed and clarity with technology versus maintaining meaningful, human-centered connections.
The broader implication for readers interested in design and tech is the need to consider how over-reliance on AI might shape our behavior and relationships outside the digital realm. The author’s experience serves as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of blurring the lines between machine interactions and human interactions. It raises important questions about empathy, efficiency, and the role of technology in shaping our communication styles.
Ultimately, the article underscores the importance of maintaining a balance between leveraging AI for productivity and preserving humanity in our interactions with others. While stripping emotional elements from AI interactions can be effective, it’s crucial to remember that real-life human connections require understanding, patience, and empathy—qualities that should not be sacrificed on the altar of efficiency.
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Originally published on Fast Company Tech on 2/22/2026