Cognitive offloading and the decline of critical thinking in the AI era

New research suggests artificial intelligence may be negatively impacting human intelligence through cognitive offloading. As AI adoption accelerates globally, experts are raising concerns about potential declines in critical thinking skills, IQ scores, and memory functions when people routinely rely on digital tools rather than exercising their own mental capabilities. This growing dependence on AI for information retrieval and problem-solving may be reshaping human cognition in ways that deserve closer scrutiny.

The big picture: Researchers have observed worrying cognitive trends coinciding with the rise of AI, including declining IQ scores and diminishing critical thinking abilities among digital natives.

• A 2018 study found that Norwegian men born after 1975 showed seven fewer IQ points than those born in 1962, reversing the “Flynn effect” that had seen intelligence scores consistently rising throughout the 20th century.
• Similar IQ declines have been documented in Denmark, Britain, France, the Netherlands, Finland and Estonia, suggesting this may be a widespread phenomenon in developed countries.

Behind the numbers: Scientists believe “cognitive offloading” – our tendency to delegate mental tasks to external devices – may be degrading fundamental cognitive abilities.

• When people habitually rely on AI like ChatGPT for answers rather than attempting to solve problems themselves, they miss crucial developmental opportunities for building neural pathways.
• As MIT professor Shelley Carson explains: “If a tree is well watered at its roots, it doesn’t have to develop a deep root system to survive. Similarly, if someone provides you with answers, your brain doesn’t need to develop alternative ways of thinking.”

What they’re saying: Experts warn that overreliance on AI tools is fundamentally changing how humans approach cognitive challenges.

• “We need to stop asking what AI can do for us, and start asking what it is doing to us,” urges Adrian Ward, assistant professor at the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas.
• Neuroscientist Adam Gazzaley notes this issue extends beyond AI: “What we’re outsourcing is not just information retrieval. We’re also outsourcing the function of our brain that selects what is most important to us.”

Counterpoints: Some researchers argue that cognitive changes represent adaptation rather than decline, with humans developing different types of intelligence suited to a technology-rich environment.

• Technology journalist Casey Newton believes our memories haven’t necessarily weakened but have become more like “indexes” that help us locate information rather than store it internally.
• Historical precedent shows similar concerns arose with earlier technologies – from writing to calculators – that ultimately expanded rather than diminished human potential.

Why this matters: The potential long-term consequences of cognitive offloading to AI extend beyond individual intelligence to impact innovation, social dynamics, and human identity.

• Reduced critical thinking abilities could make populations more vulnerable to misinformation and manipulation at a societal level.
• Diminished creativity and problem-solving skills might undermine innovation precisely when humanity faces unprecedented challenges requiring novel solutions.

Implications: As AI capabilities expand, humans will need to find a balance between leveraging technological advantages and preserving fundamental cognitive abilities.

• Educational systems may need redesigning to emphasize skills that AI cannot easily replicate, such as critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence.
• Companies developing AI tools face increasing pressure to design systems that enhance rather than replace human cognition.

Where we go from here: The relationship between human and artificial intelligence will require careful management to ensure technology augments rather than diminishes human capabilities.

• Some experts advocate for “cognitive prosthetics” that strengthen human abilities rather than replacing them, similar to how physical prosthetics enhance mobility.
• Building intentional moments of cognitive challenge and “digital fasting” into daily routines may help counteract the negative effects of cognitive offloading.