Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to solve problems, increase efficiency, and save time by delegating tasks to machines.
However, reliance on AI can lead to a decline in critical thinking skills, as it may diminish the capacity to question, analyze data, and form counterarguments.
Studies indicate that using AI can decrease users' effort in critical thinking tasks and affect abilities like knowledge, comprehension, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation.
Overreliance on AI can hinder an individual's ability to independently solve problems, potentially leading to a lack of cognitive development and critical thinking skills.
Accepting AI-generated answers without questioning can blur the line between facts and falsehoods, impacting users' evaluation and judgment.
Populations most affected by overreliance on AI include those with low confidence in AI-generated output, while strategic users may maintain critical thinking abilities.
Decreased critical thinking skills due to AI reliance may make individuals more susceptible to misinformation, manipulation, and challenges in the job market.
Educational institutions using generative technology risk hindering the development of critical thinking skills in students, which can have long-term implications for society.
Maintaining the ability to think critically without solely relying on AI is crucial for decision-making, problem-solving, and adapting to high-stakes situations.
Users and developers of generative models have a responsibility to evaluate the impact of AI on critical thinking and ensure it contributes to societal advancements.