Yes, attending through an AI tool is a time saver, but there are serious tradeoffs.
Read the article and decide whether the statements are True (T) or False (F).
1. Neuroscientists have known for a long time that using AI agents in meetings is harmful to the brain.
2. Writing notes by hand helps people remember information better than typing on a laptop.
3. According to the article, podcasts are more effective for learning than books.
4. When half the meeting attendees are AI agents, conversations can feel less engaging.
5. Brain synchrony occurs only between friends and romantic partners, not coworkers.
6. Rock claims that discussing topics with others activates more brain circuits than thinking alone.
7. Learning through AI agents leads to a deep understanding of new material.
8. Real-world consequences of brain synchrony include better pattern recognition and application of ideas.
9. AI agents have no impact on our ability to find implications and consider multiple angles.
10. Neuroscience research suggests that humans evolved to pay attention to social signals.
Key: 1F; 2T; 3F; 4T; 5F; 6T; 7F; 8T; 9F; 10T
Glossary
- in our stead – instead of us; on our behalf
- tradeoff – a situation where you gain one thing but lose another
- devoid – completely lacking or empty of something
- the knock-on effects – indirect or secondary results of an action
- to sub in – to replace someone; to take someone’s place
- time suck – something that drains your time without giving much value back
- flipping – turning on or activating
- to chime – to match, agree with, or fit well with
Practice makes perfect
Read this article:
https://www.inc.com/rebecca-hinds/8-experts-work-and-technology-predictions-for-ai-in-2026
and match the phrases from the article 1-9 with their correct meaning a)-i):
1. polished AI prose
2. voluntary work intensification
3. weaponization of friction
4. stockpiling new technologies
5. performance dressed up as productivity
6. cognitive load
7. ground-up redesign of work
8. digital exhaustion
9. real outcomes
a) the amount of mental effort someone is using at a given time
b) the actual results that matter, not just visible outputs
c) gathering lots of tools without integrating them effectively
d) writing that sounds confident but may say little
e) using AI-generated work to annoy or slow down colleagues
f) rethinking processes starting from the fundamentals, often using new technology
g) fatigue caused by fragmented tools, information overload, or constant online tasks
h) people taking on extra tasks because AI makes them feel easy
i) work that looks productive but doesn’t create real value
Key: 1d; 2h; 3e; 4c; 5j; 6a; 7f; 8g; 9b
Discuss
- According to the first article, why does the medium through which we receive information affect how well we remember it?
- What does the article suggest happens to conversations when AI agents replace human attendees?
- What is meant by “brain synchrony,” and why is it significant?
- Why might AI-generated summaries lead to “shallow” understanding, according to the article?
- What assumptions do both articles make about the value of human interaction at work?
- In what ways do the two articles agree about the future role of AI in work?
- Should companies limit the use of AI agents in meetings?
- Can AI improve productivity without harming creativity and deep thinking?
- Would you feel comfortable sending an AI agent to represent you in an important meeting?
- How might the increased use of AI agents change workplace relationships in the future?
Watch and Revise!
AI in Meetings
Neuroscience Insights
https://www.cloud.worldwideschool.pl/index.php/s/ySoaJ2J58g3LxCJ
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