AI’s cognitive implications: the decline of our thinking skills?

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become an integral part of daily life, streamlining everything from search queries to complex decision-making. While AI tools offer convenience and efficiency, they also raise concerns about cognitive offloading—the process of delegating cognitive tasks to external aids. As reliance on AI grows, experts warn that it could diminish critical-thinking skills and alter fundamental cognitive processes. It is not about avoiding its use entirely; the incorporation of AI is essential for the advancement of our societies. (In fact, as will be seen later, it has been shown that a moderate use of AI can have a positive cognitive impact.) However, it is advisable to learn how to use it properly and in a balanced manner.

These concerns were central to discussions at the AI for Humanity: Innovating for a Sustainable Digital Future session, led by Iliana Grosse-Buening, during the second edition of the Responsible Tech Salon. This event was co-organized by the IE Center for Health and Well-being, led by Lisa Bevill, and the UNESCO Chair in AI Ethics and Governance at IE School of Humanities, led by Ted Lechterman. 

AI and cognitive offloading

AI tools, from smart assistants to predictive algorithms, have transformed how people process information. The ease of accessing instant solutions has led to cognitive offloading, where individuals shift memory and problem-solving tasks to technology (Nosta, 2025). 

This phenomenon is not new—search engines have already altered how people retain information, a trend known as the "Google Effect" (Gong & Yang, 2024). However, AI’s increasing role in reasoning and analysis takes this a step further, allowing users to bypass the deep thinking that traditional problem-solving requires.

While cognitive offloading can be beneficial, freeing mental space for complex tasks, it also risks eroding critical thinking when overused. AI-generated content and decision-making tools can discourage independent analysis, making users passive consumers rather than active thinkers.

Research findings on AI and critical thinking

A recent study by Gerlich (2025) explores the relationship between AI usage and cognitive skills, highlighting several key concerns. The research found a negative correlation between frequent AI usage and critical-thinking abilities, suggesting that individuals who rely heavily on automated tools may struggle with independent reasoning. One contributing factor is cognitive offloading, where AI users engage less in deep, reflective thinking and instead prefer quick AI-generated solutions.

The study also examined the impact of age and education on AI reliance. Younger individuals demonstrated a stronger dependence on AI tools and scored lower in critical thinking assessments compared to older participants. However, higher education levels correlated with better reasoning abilities, even among those exposed to AI. Additionally, increased trust in AI-generated content led to reduced independent verification of information, raising concerns about declining skepticism.

Another issue identified was the role of algorithmic bias in shaping users’ exposure to information. AI tools often filter content based on prior interactions, reinforcing existing biases and limiting exposure to diverse perspectives. Interestingly, the study found a non-linear relationship between AI use and cognitive impact—moderate AI usage did not significantly affect critical thinking, but excessive reliance led to diminishing cognitive returns. 

Implications for education and decision-making

These findings raise critical questions about AI’s role in education and professional decision-making. In learning environments, AI-driven tools can streamline knowledge acquisition, but they may also discourage students from engaging in problem-solving and analytical exercises. If students default to AI-generated responses rather than reasoning through problems, they can weaken their cognitive flexibility and information evaluation skills.

Educational researcher Umberto León Domínguez outlined this risk in an interview, warning that “intellectual capabilities essential for success in modern life need to be stimulated from an early age, especially during adolescence.” He also discussed the need for educational professionals to ensure that young people engage in cognitive effort (Dolan, 2024). 

In professional settings, over-reliance on AI in decision-making processes can lead to weaker analytical abilities. Algorithmic bias further complicates matters, as individuals may fail to critically assess the underlying assumptions in AI recommendations, leading to flawed decision-making. Industries that rely on AI-generated insights, such as finance, healthcare, and law, must balance AI’s benefits with the need for human judgment.

Strategies to preserve critical thinking in an AI-dominated world

As AI becomes more integrated into everyday life, proactive measures are necessary to preserve cognitive engagement and critical-thinking skills. As highlighted by Gerlich (2025), “Educators, policymakers, and technologists must work collaboratively to foster environments that balance the benefits of AI with the development of critical thinking.” Strategies for ensuring this include:

1. Educational interventions

• Schools and universities must emphasize active learning and critical evaluation of AI-generated content.

• Teaching metacognitive skills can help students assess the quality and reliability of AI-generated outputs.

• Assignments should incorporate problem-solving exercises without AI assistance to encourage independent thinking.

2. Balanced AI usage

• AI should complement rather than replace human reasoning. Encouraging a human-AI collaboration model can ensure users remain actively engaged in decision-making.

• Organizations should establish ethical AI guidelines to promote unbiased and transparent AI recommendations.

3. Fostering independent thinking

• Encouraging professionals and students to verify AI-generated content through multiple sources helps develop skepticism and analytical skills.

• Exercises in memory retention, debate, and logical reasoning can reinforce cognitive engagement.

• Workplaces should design decision-making processes that require employees to reflect on AI-generated insights before acting on them.

Balancing AI’s benefits and cognitive risks

AI’s increasing role in cognitive processes presents both opportunities and risks. While AI presents opportunities for humanity to flourish by enhancing efficiency and accessibility, it’s important to understand the risks to human cognition.

Recent research demonstrates the need for educational interventions, balanced AI usage, and independent thinking strategies to mitigate AI’s cognitive costs. As society navigates AI’s expanding influence, fostering a culture of critical engagement will be crucial to ensuring that technological convenience does not come at the expense of intellectual independence. 

References

Dolan, E. W. (2024, February 13). “Catastrophic effects”: Can AI turn us into imbeciles? This scientist fears for the worst. PsyPost - Psychology News. https://www.psypost.org/catastrophic-effects-can-ai-turn-us-into-imbeciles-this-scientists-fears-for-the-worst/ 

Gerlich, M. (2025). AI Tools in Society: Impacts on Cognitive Offloading and the Future of Critical Thinking. Societies, 15(1), 6.

Gong, C., & Yang, Y. (2024). Google effects on memory: a meta-analytical review of the media effects of intensive Internet search behavior. Frontiers in Public Health, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1332030 

Nosta, J (2025, January 19). Cognitive offloading with AI boosts performance but may hinder deeper learning. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/the-digital-self/202501/the-shadow-of-cognitive-laziness-in-the-brilliance-of-llms