According to research from Microsoft and Carnegie Mellon University, the growing use of generative AI (Gen AI) in the workplace may be weakening human cognitive abilities. The study examined 319 professionals across various fields, collecting nearly 1,000 examples of how they use AI tools like ChatGPT and Copilot in their daily work.
Findings suggest that while Gen AI boosts confidence in task completion, it also reduces critical thinking. Workers who rely heavily on AI for routine tasks may experience cognitive “atrophy,” becoming less prepared to handle complex, unexpected challenges. The study warns that delegating too much decision-making to AI could erode independent problem-solving skills over time.
Interestingly, those with greater self-confidence demonstrated more critical thinking, while those with higher confidence in AI exhibited less. Workers tended to intervene only when AI-generated outputs seemed flawed. However, about 36% actively used critical thinking to verify AI responses, highlighting a partial safeguard against overreliance.
The researchers also found that AI users produced less diverse results for the same tasks than those without AI assistance. This shift indicates a transition from active task execution to AI oversight, raising concerns about the long-term implications of workplace automation. While AI enhances efficiency, its unchecked adoption might lead to diminished engagement in problem-solving, ultimately reshaping the way professionals think and work.