The article makes a fair point that AI tools can encourage laziness if users outsource too much thinking. But it overstates the risk of “becoming stupid”. People have made similar claims about calculators, Google and even books. In each case, the tool changed how people think, not whether they think.
The argument ignores that intelligent use of AI can deepen understanding. Students who ask AI to explain a topic or critique a draft are engaging with material, not avoiding it. If someone blindly accepts AI output, the problem isn’t the tool, it’s poor judgment, and that existed before AI.
There is also no solid evidence that using AI tools causes long-term cognitive decline. Suggesting so without data is not scientific.
The real risk is not AI making people stupid, but people choosing not to learn how to use AI intelligently. Education should focus on critical thinking and digital literacy, not fear of automation. That is the constructive path forward.
alexwang123 · 1d ago
I've found that it seems to be the case. I'm now very reliant on it, which causes my brain to stop working when I stop using AI.
The argument ignores that intelligent use of AI can deepen understanding. Students who ask AI to explain a topic or critique a draft are engaging with material, not avoiding it. If someone blindly accepts AI output, the problem isn’t the tool, it’s poor judgment, and that existed before AI.
There is also no solid evidence that using AI tools causes long-term cognitive decline. Suggesting so without data is not scientific.
The real risk is not AI making people stupid, but people choosing not to learn how to use AI intelligently. Education should focus on critical thinking and digital literacy, not fear of automation. That is the constructive path forward.