AI agents' growing capabilities are driving productivity FOMO among some startup founders, who feel compelled to work long hours managing and guiding the agents (Katherine Bindley/Wall Street Journal)

Startup founders report intense pressure to work extended hours as increasingly capable AI agents boost productivity expectations, creating a “FOMO” effect that forces them to constantly oversee and guide the agents’ output. This heightened workload stems from the belief that leveraging advanced agents is essential to stay competitive.