New York, May 24 (SANA) Researchers in the United States and Britain say growing reliance on artificial intelligence tools could weaken critical thinking and problem-solving skills, according to studies cited by TIME magazine.
An April study found participants who used AI tools for short math and reading-comprehension tasks performed worse when later completing similar tasks without assistance and were more likely to give up on difficult problems than participants working independently.
Researchers said the findings suggested reduced persistence and weaker unaided performance, warning that some users may “stop trying” when relying heavily on AI systems.
A separate study by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology found participants who used ChatGPT to write essays demonstrated weaker recall and lower overall performance compared with those who completed the tasks without AI assistance.
Nataliya Kosmyna of MIT said writing exercises help develop reasoning and structured thinking skills, warning that bypassing such processes could weaken those abilities over time.
Researchers linked the effects to what is known as “cognitive offloading,” or the use of external tools to reduce mental effort.
Kristy Armitage of the University of Queensland said excessive reliance on such tools could affect cognitive performance, particularly among younger learners.
By contrast, Sam Gilbert of University College London said AI may redistribute rather than reduce mental effort, with risks mainly affecting skills that are no longer regularly practiced.
Michael Gerlich warned that generative AI’s ability to provide complete answers could discourage critical evaluation and contribute to what he described as an “AI-trust spiral.”
Researchers said the long-term impact of AI would likely depend on how the technology is used, with some arguing it can support thinking when used to refine rather than replace human reasoning.
Kosmyna said further research was needed into how AI should be integrated into education and workplaces, cautioning against widespread adoption without a clearer understanding of long-term effects.
M.F / ABD
