Is Artificial Intelligence Ushering Cognitive Decline?

Author(s): Cezary Gesikowski

Originally published on Towards AI.

Impact of Cutting-Edge Intelligent Tech on Critical Thinking

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image by the author | digital / analog collage | © 2025 Cezary Gesikowski

“Higher confidence in AI is associated with less critical thinking, while higher self-confidence is associated with more critical thinking.” (Lee et al., 2025)

The rapid rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automation in daily life and work has sparked concern about their impact on human cognition. AI now plays an increasing role in decision-making, writing, creative tasks, and data analysis, fundamentally altering how people engage with intellectual activities. AI-driven tools like ChatGPT assist with text generation, Grammarly enhances writing accuracy, and Midjourney creates unique visual content. The pace of innovation in AI is increasing as competition worldwide heats up to ‘win the AI game’.

image: Timeline illustrating key milestones in the evolution from machine learning to generative AI. | Source:Accenture, 2023

These technologies streamline workflow but also raise concerns about diminishing human creative and analytical engagement. As AI systems handle tasks that once required human mental effort, are we becoming mentally “lazy” or losing critical skills? The debate surrounding AI and its impact on cognitive abilities has become a significant point of discussion among scholars, psychologists, neuroscientists, and… Read the full blog for free on Medium.

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Published via Towards AI