Could AI Be Making Us Dumber? Experts Share How to Keep Your Mind Sharp
Cognitive atrophy happens any time we lose the ability to engage in a mental process due to inactivity. A 2023 study found that over 60% of people rely on AI or digital assistants for tasks they once did independently, from route planning to summarizing information. While AI can be an incredible tool, it also poses the risk of outsourcing too much of our thinking. To stay sharp, we need to be intentional about how we engage with it.
“AI is incredibly useful for brainstorming and research, but it’s also surprisingly easy to slip into passive consumption. The goal is to make sure it doesn’t dull our ability to analyze, question, and problem-solve.”– Chris Hinkle, CEO of TRG Datacenters. He has shared four strategies to use to ensure AI enhances—rather than replaces— our critical thinking.
*To read the full writeup with comments and examples please follow this link
Never Let AI Be the First or Last Step of Your Thinking Process
This method ensures AI remains a tool to assist in the process rather than replace independent thought. By organizing thoughts, finding gaps, or questioning biases in AI-generated responses, users can maintain active engagement throughout the process.
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First step: Think, plan, or predict independently.
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Middle step: Use AI to organize, expand, or test.
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Last step: Rework, refine, and finalize based on personal reflection.
Practice Predictive Thinking Before Using AI
Start making educated guesses before turning to AI. Before asking AI a question, write down what you think the answer will be. This forces your brain to engage actively instead of passively receiving information.
Build Your Personal Knowledge Database
Turn learning into a habit of curating insights, not just consuming them. Instead of solely collecting information, focus on organizing your takeaways. Keep a personal database—whether on Notion, Google Docs, or in a physical notebook where you can categorize findings based on what surprised, challenged, or changed your perspective.
Set ‘AI-Free’ Zones for Independent Thinking
Create specific ‘AI-free’ zones in your life where you think independently before consulting AI. For activities like brainstorming, avoid using AI until you have raw ideas. When making decisions, write down your reasoning first, then seek AI input. For example, before using AI to enhance your resume, jot down your own strengths first, and then compare them with AI’s suggestions. This approach preserves your independent voice and ensures AI doesn’t subtly influence your thoughts before you’ve fully formed them.
Chris Hinkle, CEO of TRG Datacenters also commented: “As we turn to AI for quick answers, I worry that we’re losing essential parts of the learning process, like boredom and confusion, which are vital for growth,” says an expert. “Engaging with a problem before seeking AI’s help encourages deeper thinking and helps preserve our ability to make independent decisions. By challenging our own assumptions, organizing our thoughts, and critically evaluating AI’s input, we keep our analytical skills sharp and avoid becoming overly reliant on technology. It’s this balance that fosters creativity and ensures we stay in control of our learning process.”
Story credit: https://www.trgdatacenters.com/
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Author: David Keech
David Keech is a retired teacher and works as a sportswriter, sports official and as an educational consultant. He has reported on amateur sports since 2011, known as 'KeechDaVoice.' David can be reached at keechertheteacher@gmail.com
