A HEFTY 86 percent of Filipino knowledge workers use artificial intelligence (AI) at work, higher than the global average of 75 percent and regional average of 83 percent, according to a recent study by Microsoft and LinkedIn. This primarily involves the use of generative AI such as ChatGPT, Copilot or Perplexity to compose emails, write reports and code software programs.
The question is, if AI is making us work smarter, does it make us dumber in the long run?
However, the debate on whether AI is making us wiser or more stupid is complex and nuanced. On one hand, AI offers unprecedented access to information, tools for learning and the ability to automate tasks that would otherwise consume significant time and cognitive resources. But it also raises concerns about our increasing dependency on machines, the potential erosion of critical thinking skills and the subtle ways in which AI might influence our intellectual capacities.
AI undeniably has the potential to make us smarter by augmenting our cognitive abilities. Consider the way AI-powered tools, such as search engines and personal assistants like Google Assistant or Siri, help us find information almost instantaneously. Before the advent of AI, accessing information required manual searches through books, articles or asking experts.
Now, complex questions can be answered in seconds, saving time and enabling people to focus on higher-order thinking rather than simple information retrieval. This ease of access to knowledge can enhance learning and productivity, allowing individuals to expand their understanding of various subjects at an unprecedented rate.
Moreover, AI can enhance our ability to solve complex problems by processing vast amounts of data that would be impossible for a human to analyze manually. For example, in data analytics, AI algorithms can identify patterns, trends and insights from enormous datasets, helping businesses make informed decisions. This ability to harness big data for strategic purposes arguably makes us smarter in the sense that it enables us to make more accurate predictions and decisions than we could on our own.
AI is also transforming education, providing personalized learning experiences that can adapt to individual needs. Educational platforms powered by AI can assess a student’s strengths and weaknesses and tailor content, accordingly, making learning more efficient. This personalization can lead to deeper understanding and retention of material, potentially making students more knowledgeable and better prepared for future challenges.
Laziness
However, while AI can enhance cognitive abilities, there is a legitimate concern that it may also be making us dumber in certain respects. One of the primary criticisms is that AI can encourage intellectual laziness. When answers are readily available at the click of a button, people may be less inclined to engage in deep thinking or critical analysis. The convenience of AI tools can lead to a superficial understanding of complex topics, as people might rely on quick answers rather than delving into the nuances of a subject.
For instance, consider the way people use AI for basic arithmetic or language translation. While these tools are incredibly useful, their overuse can result in a decline in basic skills. Relying on a calculator for simple math can erode mental arithmetic abilities, just as overdependence on translation tools might hinder language learning.
This phenomenon is not limited to simple tasks. It extends to more sophisticated intellectual processes. If we become too reliant on AI for decision-making, we risk losing the ability to critically evaluate information and make judgments independently.
Furthermore, the passive consumption of information facilitated by AI can contribute to a reduction in cognitive engagement. Social media algorithms, designed to keep users engaged, often create echo chambers that reinforce existing beliefs and limit exposure to diverse perspectives. This can stifle critical thinking and intellectual growth, as individuals may not be challenged to consider alternative viewpoints or question their assumptions. In this way, AI can contribute to intellectual stagnation, making people more susceptible to misinformation and less adept at navigating complex issues.
There is also the issue of AI’s role in the workplace. As AI takes over more tasks traditionally performed by humans, there is a risk that certain skills will atrophy. Jobs that require routine cognitive functions, such as data entry or basic analysis, are increasingly being automated. While this can free up time for more creative and strategic work, it also means workers may lose the opportunity to develop and refine these skills, potentially leading to a decline in overall cognitive abilities.
In the broader context, the integration of AI into daily life raises questions about the future of human intelligence. If AI continues to advance at its current pace, we may find ourselves increasingly dependent on machines for decision-making, problem-solving and even creativity. This dependence could lead to a scenario where human cognitive abilities are diminished, as we rely more on AI to think for us.
However, it is also possible that AI could serve as a catalyst for intellectual growth, pushing us to develop new skills and ways of thinking that complement the capabilities of machines. The key lies in how we choose to use AI: as a tool to enhance our intellect, or as a crutch that erodes it.
The challenge is to find a balance that allows us to harness the power of AI while maintaining and developing our own cognitive abilities.
Ultimately, the impact of AI on human intelligence will depend on how we choose to engage with it — either as a tool to empower ourselves, or as a substitute for our intellectual efforts.
The author is the founder and CEO of Hungry Workhorse, a digital, culture and customer experience transformation consulting firm. He is a fellow at the US-based Institute for Digital Transformation. He is the chairman of the Digital Transformation IT Governance Committee of Finex Academy. He teaches strategic management and digital transformation in the MBA Program of De La Salle University. Email: [email protected].
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