Are we losing our ability to think critically as we rely more on AI?

Episode Summary
My guest is social psychologist Dr Guy Champniss to explore the role of behavioural science in business and the emerging challenges of AI in the workplace. We discuss why behaviour change is so hard to sell, the myth that behavioural science is only needed when everything else fails, and how organisations often overlook the human factors in transformation. Guy brings deep insight into how behavioural science is perceived inside organisations—often as a last resort when more traditional methods fail. 

We examine why that is, and how a better understanding of human behaviour can actually de-risk strategy, improve engagement, and lead to more successful outcomes. We also explore the psychology of AI: how we trust it, how we interact with it, and what we might be losing in the process. From loss of credibility and collaboration among employees, to the risks of over-automation and cognitive offloading, the conversation raises timely questions about what kind of future we're building, and how prepared we really are.

You'll hear thoughtful takes on the challenges of selling behavioural science, powerful metaphors to help reframe the debate, and real-world examples from the classroom to the call centre. If you’re curious about the intersection of technology, psychology, and organisational behaviour, this is a must-listen.

About Guy Champniss
Dr Guy Champniss is a social psychologist and behavioural science practitioner. He teaches at IE Business School in Madrid and consults through Meltwater Consulting. Guy’s current work focuses on how AI is changing human behaviour in organisations—particularly its impact on trust, agency, and critical thinking. He’s also worked extensively in the sustainability space, helping businesses drive lasting behavioural change.

AI Generated Timestamp Summary
[00:00:00 ] – Intro to Dr Guy Champniss and sets up the discussion around behavioural science and AI.

[00:03:30 ] – Behavioural Science’s Struggle for Acceptance
Why it’s often brought in too late and why it needs itself to be sold effectively.

[00:10:00 ] – Organisational Blind Spots
How businesses resist behaviour-led approaches and prefer short-term fixes.

[00:17:30 ] – From Sustainability to AI
Guy’s journey into exploring the psychology of AI at work.

[00:24:00 ] – AI and Human Credibility
What happens when AI performs better than people, and how that undermines trust. 

[00:30:00 ] – Trust and Bias in AI
Why we trust AI more when it agrees with us and the dangers that brings.

[00:38:00 ] – AI’s Impact on Collaboration
How automation can quietly erode teamwork and critical thinking.

[00:45:00 ] – Students and AI
What AI use in classrooms reveals about thinking, learning, and shortcuts.

[00:52:00 ] – The Real Future of Work
Why it’s not AI replacing jobs—but people who know how to use it.

[00:56:00 ] – Language, Labels, and Responsibility
The power of how we talk about tech and what it signals.

Links
Meltwater Consulting, Guy's firm - https://www.meltwater-consulting.com/drguychampniss

Guy on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/guychampniss/

His academic profile at IE Business School - https://rhe.ie.edu/speaker/guy-champniss/

Guy's research - https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Guy-Champniss

McKinsey article on AI in Contact Centres - https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/operations/our-insights/the-contact-center-crossroads-finding-the-right-mix-of-humans-and-ai

Onora O'Neil BBC Reith Lectures on A Question of Trust:
Recording: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00ghvd8
Transcript: https://downloads.bbc.co.uk/rmhttp/radio4/transcripts/20020427_reith.pdfv