Why Your AI Is Suddenly Making You Wait. ⏳

Have you noticed that AI is getting... slower?

In 2024, you hit enter and the text appeared instantly. Now, in 2026, models like OpenAI’s o1 or DeepSeek-R1 often pause for 10, 20, or even 60 seconds. A "Thinking" bar pulses on the screen while you wait.

It’s not a slow internet connection. It’s a massive shift in how AI works.

The Shift: From "Guessing" to "Reasoning"

Old AI models were "Fast Guessers." They predicted the next word based on patterns. They were instant, but they often "hallucinated" (lied) because they didn't double-check their own logic.

New AI models are "Slow Thinkers." They now have a "Hidden Loop" where they:

1. Draft a plan internally.

2. Verify their own steps.

3. Correct errors before they ever show you a result.

This makes them much more accurate for maths, coding, and complex strategy. But it also makes them overkill for simple tasks.

How to Choose Your AI "Speed":

You don't always need a "Thinking" model. To save time and credits, follow this simple rule:

👉 Use "Fast" Models (Instant) for creativity and routine.

Best for: Summarising an email, writing a social post, or checking grammar.

👉 Use "Thinking" Models (10s–60s wait) for accuracy and logic.

Best for: Complex coding, solving maths problems, or deep technical research.

If the answer requires Creativity, go Fast. If the answer requires Accuracy, go Slow.