The secret to using AI without getting dumber
For many people, using AI chatbots is incredible at first. It makes them feel productive, confident, maybe even smarter. But later, there’s a hangover. Perhaps there are problems with their memory, or certain skills, like writing or coding, don’t seem to be as sharp as they once were. Maybe they feel like they can’t solve […]
Many individuals find using AI chatbots initially invigorating, as it boosts their sense of productivity and confidence, even to the point of feeling smarter. However, this feeling often fades, giving rise to concerns about memory issues or diminished skills such as writing or coding. Some individuals may also experience difficulties in problem-solving, decision-making, or recalling facts without the aid of AI.
Susette Brooks, a marketing director based in Philadelphia, initially used AI tools reluctantly but soon realized the adverse effects. She allowed AI to assist with some of her emails, which relieved her workload, but subsequently noticed her writing and thinking abilities deteriorating. "I perceived my writing and thinking deteriorating as it was happening," Brooks explained, having studied nonfiction writing. "I encountered difficulties in recalling information and synthesizing ideas."
Engaging AI tools to alleviate cognitive effort in tasks is known as cognitive offloading. Examples include using a calculator for mathematical problems or a calendar to remember appointments. AI, such as Claude and ChatGPT, can perform complex calculations and remember personal events, but they can also compose term papers or generate work presentations—an unprecedented scale of cognitive offloading.
Cognitive offloading is not inherently detrimental; it's the foundation of human productivity. However, as more cognitive tasks are delegated to AI, there's a risk of developing forgetfulness or seeing declines in certain skills like writing. This phenomenon is termed de-skilling, an old economics concept that has gained prominence as a buzzword to describe the downward spiral of competence accompanying the widespread use of AI tools.
De-skilling can impact critical thinking, writing abilities, creative processes, and memory, as overreliance on AI may hinder one's ability to remember information independently.
Written by urgent.news from Vox's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
