I essentially use AI to help me learn new things, or improve my understanding of things I already know. I'm usually interested in matters of science and philosophy. Those are the areas I like to study.
The workflow
I like to propose to the AI what my understanding is and ask it to comment. That begins a conversation, usually resulting in a deeper understanding or new knowledge.
What changed
My time is spent more productively when I'm thinking about these things. I can learn new things very rapidly and improve my understanding. By starting with an AI, I'm starting with something that's definitely above average in its knowledge and in its ability to respond intelligently.
I do look at it critically, and if I see a mistake, I will challenge it. I find that productive too, because it usually leads to a deeper understanding or new knowledge.