The Dark Side Of AI: Tracking The Decline Of Human Cognitive Skills

https://www.forbes.com/sites/chriswestfall/2024/12/18/the-dark-side-of-ai-tracking-the-decline-of-human-cognitive-skills/

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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.

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