Researchers at Microsoft and Carnegie Mellon University have found that increasing reliance on generative AI in work can lead to less critical thinking. The study, which involved 319 knowledge workers, showed that users who relied more on AI confidence reported using fewer critical thinking skills.
When users had less confidence in the AI’s output, they used more critical thinking and had more confidence in evaluating and improving the quality of the AI’s output. However, researchers also found that overreliance on generative AI tools can reduce diversity of outcomes and diminish independent problem-solving.
The study suggests that workers who felt rushed or were working in high-stakes scenarios tended to use more critical thinking, while those with access to GenAI tools produced less diverse sets of outcomes. The researchers propose developing AI tools that motivate users to engage critical thinking skills.
Source: https://www.404media.co/microsoft-study-finds-ai-makes-human-cognition-atrophied-and-unprepared-3