Well known theoretical physicist and cosmologist Stephen Hawking told the BBC that “The development of full artificial intelligence could spell the end of the human race….It would take off on its own, and re-design itself at an ever increasing rate. Humans, who are limited by slow biological evolution, couldn’t compete, and would be superseded.” What’s ironic is that he was using an AI-powered speech system to vocalize this warning.  

 

With the technology of the world advancing every day, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has dangerously carved its path of prominence into our everyday lives, specifically impacting students ranging from Middle School to College Universities. While there are benefits to technological advancement such as efficiency through task automation, data analysis for informed decisions, assistance in medical diagnosis, and more, AI marks a monumental challenge in limiting critical thinking. 

 

While generative Artificial Intelligence tools, like ChatGPT and Chat AI, can offer accurate responses, it’s primarily a text generator. Some students have become ignorant of this and taken it too far in terms of turning in plagarized assignments that have been purely composed by their computer. With the ease of access to vast amounts of data through such search engines and recommendation algorithms, individuals are becoming increasingly reliant on AI-driven platforms to provide them with information. This reliance can lead to a passive consumption of data without engaging in the cognitive processes of questioning, analyzing, and synthesizing information independently.

 

A study published in the Science Journal, Computers in Human Behavior, found that frequent use of search engines was associated with decreased critical thinking skills, decreased ability to retain information, and increased dependence on search engines for information. If AI is harming the young minds that will one day be held responsible for our future, how are we to ensure that real progress has been made if all of our thinking has rooted from a screen and not our brains?

 

Critical thinking is undoubtedly one of the most significant skills necessary by every human to flourish and succeed in life. If AI has the potential to limit these critical thinking skills and further dependence on the internet, our world could potentially enter a widespread cognitive stagnation period. While this statement may seem intensely dramatic, the erosion of critical thinking skills may have far-reaching consequences, affecting individuals' abilities to make informed decisions, assess the credibility of information, and engage in thoughtful, analytical reasoning in various domains of life. Ultimately, the future requires a thoughtful integration of AI into our lives, ensuring that it complements, rather than replaces, the cognitive capacities that define our humanity.