Shrey Khokhra
14/01/2026
5 min read
Cognitive Bankruptcy: Why Users Are "Ghosting" Your AI Features
The Hidden Cost of "Ask Me Anything"
For the last two years, the default UI pattern for AI has been the empty text box. "How can I help you?" In Userology, we classify this open-ended question as a High-Cognitive Load interaction. It forces the user to:
1. Define their problem.
2. Formulate a prompt.
3. Anticipate the system's capability.
By early 2026, data shows a massive drop-off in "Chat-First" interfaces. Users are suffering from Cognitive Bankruptcy. They don't have the mental energy to "manage" another bot. They are ghosting smart apps not because the AI is dumb, but because the interaction is too expensive.
The Economics of Interaction
Every pixel on your screen costs the user energy. In 2026, we measure this using "Cognitive Credits."
Interaction Type | Cognitive Cost | User Sentiment |
|---|---|---|
Passive Consumption (TikTok feed) | 1 Credit | "Relaxing" |
Binary Choice (Yes/No) | 5 Credits | "Manageable" |
Open-Ended Prompt (Writing to AI) | 50 Credits | "Exhausting" |
If your app requires a "50 Credit" investment just to get started, you will lose the user to a competitor who offers a "1 Credit" solution.
The Solution: "Zero-Input" Design
To fix Prompt Fatigue, we must move from Reactive AI (waiting for commands) to Proactive AI (suggesting solutions).
1. The "Reasonable Default" Theory
Don't ask "What do you want to write?" Instead, draft the email based on context and ask "Is this roughly right?" It is scientifically 10x easier for a human brain to Edit content than to Create it. Editing is recognition (low load); Creation is recall (high load).
2. Ambient Intelligence
The best AI is invisible. Example: A calendar app shouldn't ask "When do you want to meet?" It should just highlight the three best slots based on your history and say "Click one." This reduces a complex logic puzzle into a simple multiple-choice question.
The "Nudge" vs. The "Shove"
The danger of Proactive AI is taking away agency. Userology dictates the 80/20 Rule of Autonomy:
80% of the time: The AI should predict the action and just ask for confirmation (Low Load).
20% of the time: When the decision is high-stakes (money, health, reputation), force the user to type or verify manually to ensure "Cognitive Engagement."
Conclusion: Respect the Budget
Your users are tired. They are navigating a complex world of deepfakes, spatial webs, and constant notifications. Do not treat their attention as an infinite resource. If you want to increase retention in 2026, stop making users "drive" the AI. Be the chauffeur, not the car salesman.