Generative AI tools like ChatGPT are becoming a staple in both our personal and professional lives. But as we embrace these technologies, there’s a growing debate about their effect on our cognitive skills. Some experts are concerned that relying too heavily on these tools might be chipping away at our ability to solve problems independently.
A study by Microsoft and Carnegie Mellon University sheds some light on this issue. It found that people who lean more on generative AI tend to engage in less critical thinking than those who approach tasks with greater self-confidence. The study, which surveyed 319 knowledge workers from various fields, suggests that while generative AI can make us more efficient, it might also lead to less critical engagement and a reliance that could weaken our problem-solving skills over time.
Anjali Singh, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Texas, Austin, shares similar concerns. She points out that offloading creative tasks to AI can negatively impact our critical thinking if we don’t practice these skills regularly. According to Singh, the effect of AI on cognition depends on how it’s used and the user’s level of expertise. Her research particularly focuses on novices, such as students or newcomers to a field, who might rely too much on generative AI, potentially stunting their cognitive development over time.
In education, the story is a bit mixed. A 2024 study found that university students under high academic pressure turned to ChatGPT more often, which led to procrastination and affected their grades. On the flip side, other studies suggest that some students actually improved their critical, creative, and reflective thinking skills by integrating ChatGPT into their studies. The key, researchers say, is to use these tools consciously and actively to maximize cognitive benefits.
Rossella Suriano from the University of Messina supports this idea, noting that when used properly, ChatGPT can indeed foster complex critical thinking skills. She emphasizes the importance of understanding AI’s capabilities and limits, much like we critically evaluate information from different sources. Engaging with AI in this way can enhance independent thinking and reflection.
We’re still figuring out the full impact of generative AI on our thinking skills, partly because most research so far has been short-term. Singh highlights the need for longer studies, especially focusing on younger users. Despite the uncertainties, whether AI hinders or enhances cognition largely comes down to how we use it.
