The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has brought about numerous innovations that have revolutionized industries, from healthcare and education to finance and entertainment. However, alongside the seemingly limitless capabilities of ChatGPT and friends, we find a less-discussed consequence: the gradual decline of human cognitive skills. Unlike earlier tools such as calculators and spreadsheets, which made specific tasks easier without fundamentally altering our ability to think, AI is reshaping the way we process information and make decisions, often diminishing our reliance on our own cognitive abilities.
AI: A Double-Edged Sword for Human Cognitive Skills
Tools like calculators and spreadsheets were designed to assist in specific tasks—such as arithmetic and data analysis—without fundamentally altering the way our brains process information. In fact, these tools still require us to understand the basics of the tasks at hand. For example, you need to understand what the formula does, and what output you are seeking, before you type it into Excel. While these tools simplified calculations, they did not erode our ability to think critically or engage in problem-solving – the tools simply made life easier. AI, on the other hand, is more complex in terms of its offerings – and cognitive impact. As AI becomes more prevalent, effectively “thinking” for us, scientists and business leaders are concerned about the larger effects on our cognitive skills.
Declining Cognitive Skills in Education
The effects of AI on cognitive development are already being felt in schools across the United States. A 2023 study published in the Journal of Educational Psychology found that students who relied heavily on AI for writing assignments performed worse on tests that required independent thought and reasoning compared to students who completed assignments without AI assistance. This suggests that the use of AI in academic settings is not just an issue of convenience, but may be contributing to a decline in critical thinking skills. The National Institute of Health cites similar concerns, as well as mentioning that attention spans will be shortened by relying too much on AI.
Furthermore, educational experts argue that AI’s increasing role in learning environments risks undermining the development of problem-solving abilities. Students are increasingly being taught to accept AI-generated answers without fully understanding the underlying processes or concepts. As AI becomes more ingrained in education, there is a concern that future generations may lack the capacity to engage in deeper intellectual exercises, relying on algorithms instead of their own analytical skills.
The Risk to Mental Agility in the Workforce
The cognitive implications of AI are also being felt in the workplace. A study conducted by the American Psychological Association found that professionals who frequently used AI to generate reports, emails, or presentations reported a decline in their ability to brainstorm or think creatively. While AI can enhance productivity, it also carries the risk of stifling innovation and critical thinking. When employees turn to AI for routine tasks, they may miss out on opportunities to practice and refine their cognitive abilities, potentially leading to a mental atrophy that limits their capacity for independent thought.
Moreover, AI’s role in decision-making processes has raised concerns about the erosion of human judgment – and trust – in organizations. In sectors like finance and healthcare, AI systems are increasingly being used to recommend investment strategies or medical diagnoses. The risk of incorrect outputs or dangerous guidance remains a concern, as glitches can show up in even the most sophisticated LLMs. The more decisions we delegate to AI, the less practice we get in honing our own judgment.
The Future of Cognitive Skills: Using AI to Enhance Capability, Not Erase It
Using AI as a tool to augment human abilities, rather than replace them, is the solution. Enabling that solution is a function of collaboration, communication and connection – three things that capitalize on human cognitive abilities.
For leaders and aspiring leaders, we have to create cultures and opportunities for higher-level thinking skills.
Whether through collaborative learning, complex problem-solving, or creative thinking exercises, the goal should be to create spaces where human intelligence remains at the center. Does that responsibility fall on learning and development (L&D), or HR, or marketing, sales, engineering… or the executive team? The answer is: yes. A dedication to the human operating system remains vital for even the most technologically-advanced organizations. AI should serve as a complement to, rather than a substitute for, human cognitive skills.
As we continue to integrate AI into our lives, it is crucial that we remain aware of its potential to erode the very skills that make us human—our ability to think, reason, and solve problems independently. Collaboration, communication, connection: are we remembering how to think strategically about the capabilities of AI? By maintaining a careful balance between technological advancement and cognitive skills, we can ensure that AI enhances, rather than diminishes, our human potential.