Samsung study finds AI home devices could cut daily decision fatigue

A neuroscientist says artificial intelligence in the home could reduce everyday family arguments by taking over routine, low-stakes choices that contribute to decision fatigue. Dr Jack Lewis, author and researcher, argued that smart appliances and devices such as connected fridges, washing machines, smartwatches and pet feeders can make microdecisions—what to cook from available ingredients, the optimal laundry cycle, when to wake family members—freeing people to reserve mental energy for larger tasks. His comments accompany a study of 2,000 adults commissioned by Samsung UK and conducted by OnePoll.com.

The study found adults make an average of 80 decisions each day and typically make 11 choices before 9am. More than a quarter of respondents, 27 percent, reported feeling decision fatigue by 11am. Nineteen percent said they experience decision fatigue at least five times a week, with the most common symptoms being tiredness, reported by 51 percent, brain fog by 45 percent and exhaustion by 42 percent. On average, respondents said decision fatigue cost them 36 minutes of work time per day, and 72 percent of workers said it affected their productivity.