Technology has always faced criticism for making us lazy.
First, it was calculators. Then spellcheck. Now, AI is under scrutiny.
But is AI actually making us less intelligent, or is it just changing how we think?
In Episode 40 of Get Savvy, we dig into the big question: Is AI harming our intelligence, or are we failing to use it the right way?
Are We Becoming Over-Reliant on AI?
Every time a new tool emerges, people worry it will replace critical thinking.
When calculators became mainstream, critics said kids would never learn maths properly. When spellcheck arrived, people feared we’d all forget how to spell. Now, the same argument is being made about AI.
We’re seeing professionals hesitate to use AI because they feel like it’s "cheating." Some believe it removes the depth of learning, arguing that people relying on AI-generated insights may not develop the same critical thinking skills.
AI Isn’t the Problem-How We Use It Is
The truth is, AI - just like a calculator or spellcheck - is only as good as the person using it. A calculator doesn’t replace maths skills; it speeds up the process so we can focus on more complex problem-solving. Spellcheck doesn’t eliminate the need for language skills; it just catches errors faster.
AI works the same way. It’s a tool that can enhance thinking, but it doesn’t eliminate the need for strategy, creativity, and judgment.
If you simply copy and paste AI - generated content without reviewing it, fact-checking, or adding your own insight, that’s not AI making you dumb, that’s you using it poorly.
The Big Mistake People Make with AI
The biggest pitfall? Blindly trusting AI without applying critical thinking.
AI can generate data insights, but if you don’t know what you’re looking for, you might accept flawed results at face value. It can write a LinkedIn post, but if you don’t tweak it to reflect your voice, it will sound generic and robotic.
Relying entirely on AI without questioning or refining its output is where people go wrong. The key is to use AI for efficiency - not as a replacement for thinking.
How to Use AI Without Losing Critical Thinking Skills
Want to make sure AI is helping you - not holding you back? Here’s how:
Use AI for efficiency, not replacement : Let AI speed up research, analysis, and content creation, but always review and refine the results yourself.
Always question AI-generated content: Fact-check data, add missing context, and make edits so the final product reflects your expertise.
Stay engaged in the process: Whether AI is helping with writing, decision-making, or research, you should always remain in control. AI is a tool, not a substitute for your judgment.
So, Is AI Making Us Dumb?
No, AI itself isn’t making us dumb. But if you use it without thinking critically, it can weaken your problem-solving skills. The key is to treat AI like any other tool - it’s there to enhance your abilities, not replace them.
Want to hear more? Tune into Episode #40 of Get Savvy, where we break down this topic in depth and share real examples of how to use AI the right way.
