Key Finding 2:

Single-Tool Users Report Higher Levels of Overwhelm in AI Tool Discovery

When asked how often they feel overwhelmed while looking for AI tools to solve a task (Q5), responses were recorded on a 5-point scale:
1 = never, 2 = seldom, 3 = sometimes, 4 = often, 5 = always.

Among the 39 single-tool users, a clear skew toward elevated stress levels was observed:

• 22 participants (56.4%) selected ratings between 3 and 5, indicating a consistent presence of cognitive pressure or confusion in the discovery process.

• Notably, 6 respondents rated a 5, suggesting they always feel overwhelmed when trying to choose the right tool.

By contrast, the 30 multi-tool users showed a more balanced distribution:

• Exactly 50% selected ratings between 1 and 2, suggesting low or minimal stress.

• Only 1 respondent in this group reported a score of 5.

This pattern suggests that single-tool users are more likely to feel unsupported or uncertain when facing multiple AI tool choices. While multi-tool users may have developed familiarity or strategies to navigate the space, single-tool users appear to encounter more hesitation, friction, or stress—particularly at the point of entry.