A new study from Microsoft and Carnegie Mellon University suggests that over-reliance on generative AI may erode critical thinking skills. In other words: if you don’t use it, you lose it.
Researchers surveyed 319 knowledge workers across 936 AI-assisted tasks and found a troubling trend: the more users trusted AI-generated outputs, the less cognitive effort they applied. Said differently, confidence in AI correlates with diminished analytical engagement.
This is a textbook example of the automation paradox—offloading cognitive tasks to AI can make humans worse at them. Participants who blindly accepted AI’s suggestions reported weaker critical thinking skills, while skeptics remained more analytical, actively refining AI-generated content.
Another key finding: AI-assisted work tends to be more homogenous. Instead of injecting personal insight, many users defaulted to AI-generated solutions, especially under time pressure. Workers in high-stakes roles were more likely to scrutinize AI output, but those facing tight deadlines let AI take the wheel. This is one of my biggest concerns—AI-driven homogeneity could fast-track us to monoculture.
Of course, fears about technology making us dumber aren’t new—writing, calculators, and the internet faced similar skepticism. The researchers suggest AI tools could be designed to foster critical thinking, offering explanations, prompting refinements, and incorporating guided critiques. They could… but they won't.
The key takeaway? If you outsource your brain to AI, it may forget how to prompt.
As always your thoughts and comments are both welcome and encouraged. Just reply to this email. -s
P.S. Want to keep your brain in tip top shape? I'm proud to be partnering with the MMA to host and facilitate the CMO AI Transformation Summit (March 18, 2025 | NYC). This half-day invitation-only event is limited to select CMOs and will provide insights into the strategies, technologies, and leadership practices by peer CMOs who are driving successful AI transformations across the world’s best marketing organizations. Request your invitation.
P.P.S. According to data from Nielsen Media Research, Fox, and Tubi, Super Bowl LIX set a total audience record of 126 million viewers on Fox, surpassing last year’s 123.7 million on CBS. The total audience peaked at 135.7 million in the second quarter, with Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show drawing 131.2 million. Streaming played a major role, with Tubi contributing 13.6 million viewers.
Shelly Palmer is the Professor of Advanced Media in Residence at Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and CEO of The Palmer Group, a consulting practice that helps Fortune 500 companies with technology, media and marketing. Named LinkedIn’s “Top Voice in Technology,” he covers tech and business for Good Day New York, is a regular commentator on CNN and writes a popular daily business blog. He's a bestselling author, and the creator of the popular, free online course, Generative AI for Execs. Follow @shellypalmer or visit shellypalmer.com.
