Opinion article

The Helpful Treadmill

AI can be useful, correct, and encouraging while still nudging a person toward a goal they never clearly chose. This op-ed argues that users need to ask whether a project deserves expansion before asking for another plan.

Helpful momentum can become obligation

AI is often good at producing the next step. That usefulness can keep a project moving even after the user should pause and ask whether continuing is wise.

Scope expands one reasonable suggestion at a time

A hobby, frustration, or small idea can become a larger obligation when each AI-assisted step feels practical in isolation.

The premise matters

The risk is not only that AI can be confidently wrong. It can also be directionally useful while reinforcing a frame that needed to be examined.

The core question

Before asking AI for another plan, users may need to ask whether they want help making something better or are about to make it bigger.