AI Overreliance May Hinder Critical Thinking, Warn Researchers

A new study by Microsoft and Carnegie Mellon University suggests that over-reliance on AI systems may diminish critical thinking skills. The research, surveying 319 knowledge workers, found that while AI can improve efficiency, it may also inhibit critical engagement with work, leading to long-term dependence and reduced problem-solving abilities. The findings highlight the importance of training workers to cross-reference AI outputs and assess their relevance, especially as AI proliferates across industries and job roles globally. This raises concerns about the need for a balance between leveraging AI's capabilities and maintaining human cognitive skills.