Does GenAI Make You Dumber?

2 min Read

What critics have long suspected may now be proven by a new study. According to the findings, GenAI tools do increase efficiency. However, critical thinking and problem-solving skills may suffer as a result.

Let’s be honest: Who still bothers to perform complex calculations in their head or by hand these days? Who can still memorize dozens of phone numbers like in the old days? Who can still navigate without GPS? It’s much more convenient to use a smartphone or PC for assistance.

When generative artificial intelligence with ChatGPT emerged at the start of 2023, concerns arose that these tools could hinder thinking and learning abilities in children. A study conducted by Carnegie Mellon and Microsoft, accompanied by a survey, has indeed shown that while GenAI boosts efficiency, it can also limit critical thinking. Furthermore, there is a risk that AI assistants may lead to over-reliance and, over time, impede the ability to solve problems independently.

Where Has Critical Thinking Gone?

The automation of tasks removes the opportunity for users to hone their judgment through regular routine activities. Instead, they only need to intervene in exceptional cases – for which they are then ironically unprepared because they lack the practice. This is according to a study cited by Computerwoche.

The study was based on a survey of 319 knowledge workers who use KI-Tools like ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot at least once a week.

The study found, among other things, that employees’ trust in GenAI correlates with less effort spent on critical thinking, and its focus has shifted:

• from gathering information to verifying it,
• from solving problems to integrating KI responses,
• from executing tasks to monitoring them.

When Cognitive Relief Becomes a Burden

The authors of the study therefore recommend designing GenAI tools to support critical thinking by motivating and empowering employees more, rather than placing mental obstacles in their way.

David Raffo of the Maseeh College of Engineering and Computer Science at Portland State University points out that GenAI engages different brain functions than using a calculator or search engine: “GenAI tools assist with tasks involving language and leadership functions. The principle is ‘use it or lose it’: When we engage our brain with writing, communication, planning, and decision-making, these skills improve. Delegating these tasks to generative AI and other tools deprives us of the opportunity to learn and grow or even just maintain our current level.”

“Let’s be honest: Who still bothers to perform complex calculations in their head or by hand these days?”

Microsoft Demonstrates Positive Learning Effects

According to Lev Tankelevitch, a senior researcher at Microsoft Research, there is also evidence that AI can enhance critical thinking and learning outcomes in education. For instance, in Nigeria, AI tutors according to another study helped students absorb two years’ worth of material in just six weeks.

“In all our research, there is a common thread: AI works best as a thinking partner and complements human work,” says Tankelevitch. “When AI challenges us, it not only boosts productivity but also leads to better decisions and stronger results.”

Source of title image: iStock / Zapp2Photo