AI writing tools may erode critical thinking skills, says expert
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES — In the ever-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), emotions run high. From awe to fear, frustration, and even disdain, the reactions to AI’s advancements are as varied as they are intense.
Despite significant investments, the latest Gartner Hype Cycle for Artificial Intelligence report reveals a phase of disillusionment with cloud AI services, highlighting the tendency to overestimate short-term impacts while underestimating long-term transformations.
AI’s challenge to human intelligence
Jeremy Kahn, in his new book Mastering AI, expertly discusses AI’s transformative potential.
Speaking at his book launch in New York, Kahn noted that while humans have historically harnessed tools and animals to exceed their physical capabilities, AI challenges the very essence of our uniqueness — our intelligence.
“We never really defined ourselves as a species based on brawn,” Kahn stated. “AI, on the other hand, challenges what makes us unique as a species, which is really our intelligence.”
The risks of outsourcing cognitive tasks
Diane Brady, Executive Editorial Director at global business magazine Fortune, echoes Kahn’s concerns about the potential consequences of over-reliance on AI technologies like ChatGPT.
In Fortune’s CEO Daily newsletter, Brady emphasized the effect of people’s dependence on the latest technologies available.
“We’ve already seen what our current tools have done to our abilities to remember phone numbers or navigate city streets, never mind its impact on public trust and mental health.”
This sentiment underscores a critical point: outsourcing judgment and cognitive tasks to technology — specifically AI — could erode our ability to think critically.
Balancing AI innovation with human skills
Despite these concerns, Brady said that AI has immense potential to unleash creativity and innovation. Kahn’s book, subtitled “a survival guide to our superpowered future,” also hinted at the vast possibilities AI holds.
However, the hidden biases within AI systems may already be subtly shaping our thoughts and perceptions, often without our explicit awareness.
According to Brady, the greatest safeguard against losing our cognitive abilities to AI lies in maintaining human connections and fostering open dialogues.
The editorial director and her colleagues plan to engage with Fortune 500 leaders, founders, investors, and other stakeholders at the upcoming Fortune Brainstorm Tech conference in Park City, Utah.
Recognizing AI’s transformative impact across society, Fortune will also convene business, government, and academic leaders at Brainstorm AI events in Singapore and San Francisco later this year.
Embracing AI without losing humanity
As we navigate this era of unprecedented innovation, the real challenge is to embrace AI without losing touch with humanity.
The blend of human insight and technological advancement holds the promise of a future where innovation thrives without compromising our core values.
The ongoing debate and discussions aim to ensure that we harness AI’s potential while preserving our critical thinking and human essence.
