A new study suggests that relying on artificial intelligence (AI) too much could be harming our ability to think critically.
Researchers from Carnegie Mellon and Microsoft (yes, the same Microsoft that invested nearly $14 billion into OpenAI) found that the more people trust AI, the less they think for themselves.
Automation and Cognitive Atrophy
“Used improperly, technologies can and do result in the deterioration of cognitive faculties that ought to be preserved,” the researchers wrote.
They explain that when routine tasks are automated, users lose the opportunity to practice judgment and strengthen their cognitive abilities.
Instead of thinking critically, people often become overly reliant on AI, leading to mental atrophy—which can leave them unprepared when unexpected challenges arise.
Surveying AI Use in the Workplace
The study surveyed 319 knowledge workers—professionals who solve problems for a living.
These workers came from various industries, including social work and software development.
Researchers asked them to share three real-life examples of how they used AI at work and how much critical thinking was involved.
In total, they analyzed over 900 examples of AI use.
Less Trust in AI = More Critical Thinking
The findings were clear:
- Workers who trusted AI completely did less critical thinking.
- Workers who were skeptical of AI were more likely to double-check outputs and engage in deeper thinking.
“The data shows a shift in cognitive effort as knowledge workers increasingly move from task execution to oversight when using GenAI,” the researchers noted.
While AI can improve efficiency, it also reduces critical engagement, especially in routine or low-risk tasks.
Where users simply accept AI-generated results without questioning them.
AI’s Impact on Creativity
Beyond critical thinking, the study also found that AI use can reduce creativity.
Workers who relied heavily on AI tools produced less diverse results for the same task than those who used their own thinking skills.
This suggests that AI might be limiting problem-solving approaches rather than enhancing them.
A Familiar Pattern of Automation Overreliance
This issue isn’t new. We’ve seen similar patterns in other technologies, such as:
- Self-driving cars, where drivers become too passive and fail to react in emergencies.
- AI-generated news, where people trust misinformation without verifying sources.
- GPS navigation, which has weakened people’s ability to read maps and navigate on their own.
Final Thoughts: Are We Replacing Ourselves?
Technology has always helped make life easier, from calculators to GPS, but this time, AI might be doing too much of our thinking for us.
As we continue to integrate AI into our daily lives, it’s essential to stay aware of its potential downsides—especially when it comes to our ability to think, problem-solve, and create.
If AI is going to be a part of our future, we must ensure it enhances our abilities rather than replaces them.