LONDON: Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming part of everyday life, but a growing concern is emerging beyond privacy, job losses and misinformation: the risk that humans may slowly stop thinking for themselves.
From writing emails and solving homework to planning diets, preparing presentations and making business decisions, artificial intelligence tools are now helping users complete tasks in seconds. For many people, this brings speed, convenience and productivity. But experts say the same convenience could also create a culture of mental laziness.
Convenience becomes dependence
Technology observers argue that the danger is not simply that artificial intelligence can perform tasks better. The bigger concern is that people may begin using it even when they are capable of doing the work themselves.
Students may ask tools to summarise books instead of reading them. Workers may rely on generated reports without checking details. Professionals may accept machine-written suggestions without applying judgement. Over time, this could weaken problem-solving, writing skills, memory and creativity.
Artificial intelligence can support human ability, but it can also reduce the need to practise essential skills. When people stop practising, those skills may decline.
A challenge for education and work
Schools, universities and workplaces are now facing a new question: how can artificial intelligence be used without making people passive?
Some educators believe the answer is not to ban the technology, but to teach responsible use. Students can use artificial intelligence for guidance, but should still be required to explain, question and defend their own work.
In offices, managers may need to encourage employees to verify outputs, add human insight and avoid copying machine-generated answers without review.
Artificial intelligence is not making humans lazy on its own. The real risk lies in how people choose to use it. Used wisely, it can strengthen human intelligence. Used blindly, it may quietly weaken it.
