Google: Use phones less, but use AI more

As concern over the very real dangers posed by screen addiction grows, tech companies are slowly beginning to do what was once unthinkable: create features that are meant to actively discourage people from using their services.

Google became the latest tech giant to undertake such an effort this week, when it announced its upcoming Android P update will launch with a slew of features specifically designed to combat the most addictive qualities of our devices.

Soon our phones will be able to politely remind us when we've spent too much time binge watching, automatically switch on "Do Not Disturb" is some situations, and help us focus on "meaningful engagement" (whatever that means).

But, put into context with the rest of Google's product announcements, I wonder if we're at risk of simply swapping one addiction for another.

Because at the same time as Google is preaching the benefits of limited screen time and "meaningful" experiences, it's becoming increasingly clear that Google's vision of the future is one where AI can automate as much of our existence as possible.

And that could be far more addictive than any single app on your phone.

That's because, slowly but surely, Google is ensuring we no longer have to think about the most mundane details of our day-to-day lives, because AI will do that thinking for us. Need to edit a photo? Google Photos will automatically suggest the right edit. Annoyed about looking up directions or hate sending rote emails? Gmail has you covered. What about phone calls? Surprise, Google Assistant just casually learned to speak like humans while you weren't looking. Driving? Alphabet-owned Waymo has a car you might've heard of.

And we're still in the very early days of this new "AI first" world, too. Any Google product manager will tell you that what we've seen this week is only the beginning of what might be possible.

To be clear, none of these things are inherently bad. Most of them are actually a pretty clear upside. If Google can help automate the most boring things we do every day, then that's more time we have to spend on other things.

But with that added convenience comes the fact that we're likely to become even more dependent on Google that we already are. Think you're addicted to technology now? Imagine how you'll feel when it's literally capable of becoming a kind of personal assistant.

And, sure, maybe we'll end up less addicted to screens in the process. But we won't be any less addicted to Google.