Microsoft study says relying on AI reduces critical thinking
Microsoft and Carnegie Mellon University found that people’s critical thinking skills decline as they increasingly depend on artificial intelligence.
Consequently, this reliance makes it harder to use these skills when necessary.
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Their study recommends training workers to foster critical thinking when performing tasks.
AI and critical thinking
The researchers gathered 319 knowledge workers, people whose jobs involved handling data or information, for the study.
They asked the volunteers about how they use generative AI at work. Eventually, the study revealed a pattern among the knowledge workers.
The more confident they feel that AI can do a task, the more frequently they let AI handle it.
Consequently, the researchers warned that this behavior can raise concerns about “long-term reliance and diminished independent problem-solving.”
Moreover, workers relying on generative AI tended to produce “a less diverse set of outcomes for the same task” compared to those without.
In other words, you’re likely to limit yourself to what an AI can generate as you depend more on it.
As a result, this lack of diverse outputs can appear as a “deterioration of critical thinking” for workers.
Conversely, workers are more likely to engage in critical thinking when they have less confidence in their AI tools.
Consequently, they reported more confidence in evaluating AI outputs and improving them.
Hence, the study recommends training knowledge workers on developing skills in “information verification, response integration, and task stewardship.”
“Training programs should emphasize the importance of cross-referencing AI outputs, assessing the relevance and applicability of AI-generated content, and continuously refining and guiding AI processes.”
Nowadays, artificial intelligence continues to integrate into every facet of daily life, including the workplace.
Understanding the technology’s benefits and risks will help everyone use AI to the fullest.
Learn more about AI trends at the Inquirer Tech.
