Does artificial intelligence weaken our mental abilities? A study warns of the trap of cognitive laziness

Artificial intelligence has become an essential part of daily life, as millions of people depend on it to write texts, solve problems, program, translate, study, and even make some decisions. Despite the great benefits provided by these tools, researchers warn that excessive reliance on them may lead to a decline in some mental abilities over time, in what is known as “cognitive laziness” or cognitive delegation.

Recent studies indicate that artificial intelligence not only reduces the effort expended, but may also affect the method of learning, memory, and critical thinking, if it turns from an auxiliary tool into a permanent alternative to the human mind.

What do recent studies say?

An American-British study that included more than 1,200 participants showed that using artificial intelligence tools to solve mathematical problems or understand texts led to improved performance in the short term, but had a negative impact on long-term learning when one stopped using these tools.

The researchers explained that the participants became less able to persevere and solve problems on their own, which is an important indicator of poor skill acquisition. And absorb information in the long term.

A study conducted by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) also found that students who relied on artificial intelligence to write articles showed lower levels of critical thinking compared to those who completed the tasks themselves.

Why does this happen?

The human brain naturally depends on reducing consumption. energy, so he tends to choose the quickest and easiest solutions when they are available.

With the ability of artificial intelligence robots to provide immediate answers, the user gradually begins to reduce reliance on analysis, deduction, and problem-solving skills, which may lead to a weakening of the neural connections associated with these skills if they are not practiced constantly.

Cognitive psychology experts believe that this behavior is similar to complete reliance on calculators for calculations; The less a certain skill is used, the more its efficiency declines over time.

Does this mean stopping using artificial intelligence?

The answer is no. Artificial intelligence remains a powerful tool for increasing productivity and accelerating the completion of tasks, but the problem arises when it becomes a complete substitute for human thinking.

That is why companies such as OpenAI, Google and Microsoft have begun developing educational tools that rely on the method of asking questions and providing hints instead of giving answers directly, with the aim of encouraging the user to think before arriving at the solution.

Experts also advise using artificial intelligence to review, explain concepts, and generate ideas, with caution. To solve problems and write answers independently whenever possible.

How do you maintain your mental abilities?

Researchers recommend not relying on artificial intelligence for every task, but allocating time for independent thinking, reading original sources, solving exercises without assistance, and practicing activities that stimulate the brain such as reading, writing, and mental games.

It is also preferable to use intelligence. To verify or develop solutions after completing personal thinking, rather than making it the starting point each time.

Conclusion

Current studies do not indicate that artificial intelligence directly makes humans less intelligent, but they warn that over-reliance on it may lead to a decline in thinking, analytical, and learning skills over time.

Balanced use remains the ideal solution, so that artificial intelligence acts as an assistant that enhances human capabilities, not as a substitute that replaces them. In an accelerating digital world, the impact of these innovations extends from following Arabic websites and specialized blogs, in addition to what Egypt stores provide Kuwait stores Vitamin stores and foreign sites, while relying on a famous site for social services is an essential factor for success and continuity..