According to a new study published in Societies, relying too much on AI can reduce our critical thinking skills due to a cognitive condition called cognitive offloading. It is mostly seen in young people and individuals with more education are able to still think critically whether they are using AI tools or not. The study wanted to find the effects AI adoption can have on individuals and what educators, policymakers and tech experts can do to make this adoption safe for everyone. As AI provides direct answers, it decreases the ability of users to think critically.
For the study, the researchers gathered 666 participants from different ages and educational backgrounds. Different performance-based and self-reported measures of critical thinking were used for the study. For further analysis, the researcher conducted interviews with 50 participants to know what they think about AI dependence and its effects on cognitive engagement. The results of the study showed that there was a negative relationship between AI usage and critical thinking skills. Participants who relied heavily on AI performed worse on assessments as compared to those who used AI less.
Participants who used AI a lot were using it for quick searches or algorithm-based recommendations and they were the ones who showed worse critical thinking skills due to cognitive offloading. They didn't think of doing any analysis or research on their own and blindly trusted AI. Age and education also played an important role when it came to critical thinking and AI usage. Younger participants between the ages of 17 and 25 relied more on AI and showed more signs of cognitive offloading. On the other hand, participants ages 46 and above used their critical thinking skills more than totally relying on AI. People with higher education also showed signs of strong critical thinking skills which shows that education helps people in thinking rationally.
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For the study, the researchers gathered 666 participants from different ages and educational backgrounds. Different performance-based and self-reported measures of critical thinking were used for the study. For further analysis, the researcher conducted interviews with 50 participants to know what they think about AI dependence and its effects on cognitive engagement. The results of the study showed that there was a negative relationship between AI usage and critical thinking skills. Participants who relied heavily on AI performed worse on assessments as compared to those who used AI less.
Participants who used AI a lot were using it for quick searches or algorithm-based recommendations and they were the ones who showed worse critical thinking skills due to cognitive offloading. They didn't think of doing any analysis or research on their own and blindly trusted AI. Age and education also played an important role when it came to critical thinking and AI usage. Younger participants between the ages of 17 and 25 relied more on AI and showed more signs of cognitive offloading. On the other hand, participants ages 46 and above used their critical thinking skills more than totally relying on AI. People with higher education also showed signs of strong critical thinking skills which shows that education helps people in thinking rationally.
Read next: Rooted Today, Ruined Tomorrow: Why Tweaking Your Phone Could Cost You Everything
