Does GenAI Make You Dumber?
2 min read
What critics have long suspected, a new study may now confirm. According to the study, while GenAI tools boost efficiency, critical thinking and problem-solving skills may be left behind.
Heart to heart: Who still bothers to perform complex calculations in their head or by hand today? Who can still remember dozens of phone numbers like they used to? Who still manages to find their way without GPS? It’s much easier to rely on a smartphone or computer for help.
Since generative artificial intelligence with ChatGPT emerged at the beginning of 2023, there has been great concern that these tools could rob people of their thinking and learning abilities from an early age. A study by Carnegie Mellon and Microsoft, accompanied by a survey, has now shown that while GenAI does increase efficiency, it can also limit critical thinking. Additionally, there is a risk that AI helpers may lead to excessive dependence and gradually diminish the ability to solve problems independently.
Where has critical thinking gone?
“The automation takes away the user’s opportunity to train their judgment through regular routine tasks. Instead, they only need to intervene in exceptional cases – for which they are then ironically unprepared because they lack the practice,” quotes Computerwoche from the study. The basis for this was a survey of 319 knowledge workers who use AI tools like ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot at least once a week.
The study found that the GenAI trust of employees correlates with less effort in critical thinking and that its focus has shifted:
- from gathering information to verifying it,
- from solving problems to integrating AI responses,
- from executing tasks to monitoring them.
When cognitive relief becomes a burden
The study’s authors recommend designing GenAI tools in a way that supports critical thinking by motivating and enabling employees rather than placing mental obstacles in their path.
David Raffo from the Maseeh College of Engineering and Computer Science at Portland State University points out that GenAI affects different brain functions than using a calculator or search engine: “GenAI tools relieve tasks that involve language and leadership functions. The principle ‘use it or lose it’ applies: If we engage our brain in writing, communication, planning, and decision-making, these abilities improve. Delegating these tasks to generative AI and other tools deprives us of the opportunity to learn and grow, or even to maintain our current level of performance.”
“Heart to heart: Who still bothers to perform complex calculations in their head or by hand today?”
Microsoft shows positive learning effects
Lev Tankelevitch, lead researcher at Microsoft Research, notes that there is also evidence that AI can improve critical thinking and learning outcomes in the education sector. For example, AI tutors in Nigeria reportedly helped students learn the material from two years in just six weeks, according to another study.
“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 increases productivity but also leads to better decisions and stronger results.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the effects of GenAI on critical thinking according to the study?
GenAI reduces the effort required for critical thinking and shifts its focus. Instead of gathering information themselves, users now review pre-generated AI responses.
How many participants were interviewed in the study?
The study interviewed 319 knowledge workers who use GenAI tools at least once a week. The data comes from a survey conducted as part of a study by Carnegie Mellon and Microsoft.
Which brain functions are particularly affected by GenAI?
GenAI relieves language-related and executive brain functions such as writing, planning, and decision-making. According to David Raffo, the principle of ‘use it or lose it’ applies here.
Can AI improve learning overall?
Yes, there is evidence of positive learning effects. In Nigeria, AI tutors helped students process two years’ worth of learning material in six weeks.
How should AI be ideally used in the workplace?
AI should act as a thinking partner that complements and challenges people. This enhances productivity, better decision-making, and stronger outcomes.
Editor’s Reading Tips
- Subsidies slow down the Mittelstand: Why simplicity is key to speed
- Managed Services: Why the Mittelstand outsources IT instead of building it up
- NIS2 Implementation: What the Mittelstand still needs to do
More from the MBF Media Network
cloudmagazin | SecurityToday | Digital Chiefs
Source of title image: iStock / Zapp2Photo
Also available in
