University Study Shows Artificial Intelligence Reduces Capacity for Critical Thinking – TL;DR: You’re Getting Dumber
Big Brother is against scientific studies and their toxic truths. But, he’ll make an exception for the cheery discovery from Microsoft Research and Carnegie Mellon University that trusting Generative AI to complete knowledge-based work is reducing our ability to think critically.
Humans have long used tools to make life easier. Now that we’ve created the ultimate tool, life can be made ultimately easier! Though our diminished thinking skills make it hard to remember now, I think the original idea was that AI could complete mundane, repetitive tasks allowing us to focus our human brains on complex and important work.
Forget that this study showed the lack of mundane repetitions diminished performance of those important tasks…we already have. And definitely disremember the fact that our newly downgraded intellects won’t be able to discern which is which anyway.
Generative AI lays the foundation for a future of leisure and simplicity. Let's not screw this up by questioning the benefits of becoming chat-bot-dependent. Wrongthink, or let’s face it, anythink, only stands in our way.
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PRINTING JUST THE FACTS
- A new study by Microsoft and Carnegie Mellon University found that increased confidence in AI tools directly correlates with decreased critical thinking, particularly in routine and low-stakes tasks.
- Workers who trusted AI tended to minimize evaluation of its output, while those less confident in AI engage more critically, leading to better output verification and refinement of AI-generated content.
- It showed that the AI users, 97% of whom use ChatGPT, produce less diverse outcomes compared to non-AI users. Respondents also said they use Google Gemini and Microsoft Copilot.
- Time pressure significantly impacts AI usage patterns — workers under tight deadlines or quotas prioritize speed over verification, potentially leading to what researchers term "cognitive atrophy" in professional settings.
- As people use AI for everything from writing code to drafting emails, the study recommended developing AI tools to boost critical thinking by explaining AI reasoning, suggesting refinements, and offering guided critiques.
Sources: Gizmodo, 404 Media, Microsoft, The Register, Mobile Syrup, and Science Blog.
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