A study by Michael Gerlich found a significant negative correlation between the use of generative AI tools like ChatGPT and critical-thinking abilities, especially among young people. This finding resonates with educators who observe a decline in deep thinking and worry about students' over-reliance on AI, despite some studies suggesting potential benefits.
Is AI dulling critical-thinking skills? As tech companies court students, educators weigh the risks
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️A study by Michael Gerlich found a significant negative correlation between the use of generative AI tools like ChatGPT and critical-thinking abilities, especially among young people. This finding resonates with educators who observe a decline in deep thinking and worry about students' over-reliance on AI, despite some studies suggesting potential benefits.
Trending- 1 1970s: Calculators became widely available and affordable.
- 2 1974: The Globe and Mail published an article pondering the future of calculators.
- 3 1975: A letter to The Globe expressed concern about students using calculators.
- 4 1983: Lisanne Bainbridge published her influential paper on automation and skill deterioration.
- 5 2021: Researchers at Harvard University and Lodz University published a study on forcing critical thinking with AI.
- 6 Last fall (2024): A KPMG survey found 59% of Canadians over 18 use generative AI in school work.
- 7 December (2024): A study by researchers from China and Australia explored AI's impact on essay writing.
- 8 This year (2025): Michael Gerlich published his study on AI and critical thinking.
- 9 This year (2025): OpenAI gave postsecondary students free access to a premium ChatGPT version.
- 10 This year (2025): Microsoft Corp. issued a warning about AI's potential to inhibit critical engagement.
- Deterioration of critical thinking, problem-solving, and cognitive abilities due to over-reliance on AI.
- Challenges for educators in assessing student understanding and motivating deep learning.
- Potential for 'long-term skill stagnation' despite short-term efficiency boosts.
- Increased prevalence of AI-generated work in academia, making traditional assessment methods like essays suspect.
- Concerns about the purpose of higher education shifting from developing thinking capacity to merely obtaining credentials.
What: Research indicates a negative correlation between generative AI use and critical thinking skills, particularly in younger demographics. Educators express concern about students' over-reliance on AI for academic tasks, potentially leading to skill atrophy.
When: Michael Gerlich published his study this year (2025). KPMG survey conducted last fall (2024). Lisanne Bainbridge's paper published in 1983. Harvard University and Lodz University study published in 2021. China and Australia study published in December (2024). Microsoft Corp. study issued this year (2025). Calculators became cheap and pocket-sized by the 1970s. Globe and Mail article on calculators from 1974. Letter to The Globe from 1975.
Where: Zurich, Switzerland (SBS Swiss Business School). Canada, U.S. (OpenAI access). London, UK (University College London). Pennsylvania, U.S. (Geisinger College of Health Sciences). China, Australia (researchers). Nigeria (AI tutors study). Toronto, Canada (University of Toronto). Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada (high school).
Why: AI tools can offload the thinking process, leading to a 'vicious cycle' of increased dependence and reduced need for deep analysis. Students may use AI as a workaround to avoid effort, viewing university as merely a pipeline to credentials.
How: Studies used surveys, questionnaires, and assessments of AI usage and critical-thinking abilities. Experiments involved students writing essays with or without AI assistance. Observations by professors in lectures and grading student work. Tech companies are promoting AI adoption through free access and integrated features.