TECH NEWS – A recent study warns that excessive reliance on ChatGPT and other AI tools might impair cognitive abilities. Researchers from Carnegie Mellon University and Microsoft claim that AI weakens our capacity for critical thinking.

A year ago, the University of Monterrey released a study raising concerns that AI dependence could reduce human intelligence. Their research showed that relying on artificial intelligence for daily tasks negatively impacts cognitive abilities over time. Now, a new study from Carnegie Mellon University and Microsoft suggests the problem runs even deeper: excessive use of generative AI could significantly damage cognitive function.

As JeuxVideo reports, blind trust in AI appears to be linked to declining critical thinking skills, potentially leading to harmful dependency. Those who accept AI-generated answers without scrutiny may struggle to solve problems independently. While some users double-check AI responses, many take them at face value, treating them as infallible sources of truth. According to the study, this trend is causing a decline in critical reasoning.

Does Automation Make Us Less Capable?

According to the French publication, users without proper knowledge may accept incorrect AI-generated answers without recognizing or correcting them. Over-reliance on AI without questioning its accuracy can weaken judgment and leave people unprepared for unexpected challenges. The study further warns that allowing AI to handle routine tasks without human intervention could drastically diminish users’ ability to make decisions when unusual situations arise.

Researchers emphasize the importance of using AI in a way that encourages reasoning and independent decision-making rather than fostering dependency. Suggestions such as delaying AI-generated responses or increasing user engagement in the decision-making process could help mitigate over-reliance. However, the real question remains: would AI developers be willing to implement strategies that reduce user dependency? Since such measures conflict with their financial interests, many companies may opt to ignore these concerns.

Source: 3djuegos