Researchers from Microsoft and Carnegie Mellon University have found that excessive use of artificial intelligence systems undermines critical thinking skills.
The study was based on a survey of businessmen, educators, artists, government officials, and computer scientists. The results showed that those who trusted accurate answers the most artificial intelligence systems, were the least critical of the conclusions drawn from these responses.
The researchers warn that since use of tools based on artificial intelligence is becoming more widespread and trusted, this poses a problem, as AI systems can generate questionable content that goes unnoticed and is not supported by real facts.
«If used improperly, technology can lead to cognitive impairment, which should be preserved The main irony of automation is that by mechanizing routine tasks and leaving exception handling to the human user, you deprive the user of routine opportunities to practice their judgment and strengthen their cognitive potential, leading to mental atrophy and unpreparedness in the event that artificial intelligence systems make erroneous judgments», — the authors of the study warn.
As part of their study, the researchers interviewed 319 data workers using the crowdsourcing platform Prolific. The respondents, who are engaged in various activities, from social work to programming, were asked to give three examples of how they use artificial intelligence systems, such as ChatGPT, in the course of their own work.
They were also asked if and how they use critical thinking skills in each task. In addition, respondents were asked about the effort required to complete tasks without the help of AI systems, as well as their confidence in the results of their work.
The respondents stated that they did not use critical thinking at all in 40% of the tasks. In addition, the researchers note that the most active ChatGPT users are so accustomed to using this artificial intelligence system that time spent without it causes them symptoms similar to withdrawal.
At the same time, small videos created by AI and shared on social networks such as TikTok reduce concentration and slow down the growth of neural circuits related to information processing and critical analysis. The researchers emphasize that such problems are mostly observed in young people who use artificial intelligence systems more actively. Usually, AI is used as a tool for writing textual tasks such as essays, without the need to engage in critical thinking.
Source: LiveScience
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