Survey Finds ChatGPT Users Can No Longer Write Emails or Make Decisions Without It

AI tools are becoming deeply integrated into workers’ daily lives, and many now admit they’re struggling to complete basic tasks without them. While AI improves efficiency and accuracy, a significant share of workers report skill atrophy and a growing dependence on these tools.

ResumeTemplates.com’s August 2025 survey of 1,000 full-time U.S. workers who use AI chatbots on a weekly basis reveals that:

Key findings:

• 73% of workers say they are reliant on AI
• 76% say they’re using AI more than they were six months ago
• 44% are required to use AI tools at work
• Nearly half say writing professional documents is harder now without AI
• 46% say it’s harder to critically evaluate information or fact-check without AI
• 25% struggle to write emails now, and 21% say it’s more difficult to make decisions without AI

3 in 4 AI Chatbot Users Say They’re Reliant on It

AI chatbots have become deeply embedded in daily life, with nearly three-quarters of users saying they are very (28%) or somewhat (45%) reliant on the technology. Among those who feel dependent on AI, 26% would like to scale back their usage. Younger generations report higher reliance, with 78% of Gen Z and 75% of Millennials feeling dependent, compared to 67% of Gen X and 59% of Boomers.

Users are also turning to AI more often. Seventy-six percent say they are using AI tools more now than six months ago, and 44% report they’re required to use AI at work.

“It’s important to understand how AI can support or improve your work, but leaning on it too much comes with risks,” says ResumeTemplates.com’s Chief Career Strategist Julia Toothacre. “You can lose your own professional voice and struggle to speak for yourself in meetings or presentations. That will impact how competent others perceive you as.”

Users Find It Increasingly Difficult To Write Emails, Make Decisions, and Socialize Without AI

Many users say AI has become so integrated into their lives that going without it is challenging. Nearly half of respondents say they find it harder to write professional documents (49%) and critically evaluate information or fact-check (46%) without using AI. About 41% struggle more with using a varied vocabulary, 36% find it harder to come up with original ideas, and 34% have more trouble recalling information. Smaller shares report increased difficulty writing emails (25%), making decisions (21%), navigating in-person social situations (20%), and writing text messages (15%) without AI.

“If you rely on AI for everything, it raises questions about your confidence and ability to learn new skills. I don’t think skills will plateau, but the bar will get higher, especially with writing. People who avoid AI altogether may fall behind, but those who depend on it too much risk diminishing their skills or losing their own voice,” says Toothacre.

“Thinking for myself has become impossible.”

While they acknowledge the efficiency and accuracy AI provides, some respondents admit their growing dependency on AI is making them less capable of thinking critically, solving problems independently, or completing tasks without assistance:

• “Thinking for myself has become impossible.”
• “I can’t write a document I’m satisfied with without AI.”
• “The more I use AI, the more I forget how to do things I did all the time.”
• “AI has reduced my critical thinking skills.”
• “I find it more difficult and taxing to complete tasks without AI now, especially tasks that require weighing options to make the best decision.”
• “AI has improved my efficiency and accuracy, but I’ve noticed I rely on it more for complex tasks, which can reduce my ability to solve problems manually without the tools.”
• “AI is making me lazier, because I don’t want to have to think for myself anymore.”

Methodology

This survey was conducted in August 2025 using the Pollfish platform and gathered responses from 1,000 full-time U.S. adult workers. To take the survey, respondents had to indicate that they use AI chatbots on a weekly basis. Questions can be directed to [email protected].