Are we outsourcing our thinking to AI – and how much should we worry?
Eric C. So's new book The Collision argues that we are letting AI do our thinking for us, with dangerous consequences for our brains. Tom Knowles weighs up the evidence
In his book *The Collision: What AI Does to Us*, MIT professor Eric C. So explores the impact of AI on human cognition. He highlights a concerning anecdote from his class, where a student's answer came from ChatGPT, blurring the line between human and AI reasoning. So argues that AI, particularly generative tools, can lead to "cognitive atrophy," weakening independent thinking skills and strengthening the habit of relying on AI for mentally challenging tasks.
He likens the brain to a muscle that requires use to maintain its strength; otherwise, neural pathways are pruned, and skills deteriorate. So proposes that our evolutionary history has made us predisposed to find AI appealing, leading to what he calls "AI gravity," an irresistible force driving us to use AI extensively. This phenomenon could have severe consequences, especially for future generations, potentially resulting in doctors or professionals lacking the ability to think independently due to lack of foundational cognitive development.
While the book presents compelling arguments, it relies on limited studies and anecdotal evidence, lacking comprehensive scientific validation. So's central thesis about AI's impact on our thinking abilities is intriguing but requires more robust research to be fully substantiated.
Written by urgent.news from New Scientist's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
