The idea that we can only know what we think was expressed by Rene Descartes in the phrase ‘I think, therefore I am’. Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius described the nature of our thoughts shaping our mind and soul. We should consider such concepts in relation to the influence of artificial intelligence on our cognitive thinking skills and decision making, that form our sense of self and perception of reality.
Learning How To Think For Yourself
Learning how to write well can teach us how to think clearly, become more articulate and behave more effectively in the world. Carrying out complex tasks, such as researching, writing and editing essays, proposals or articles can develop our cognitive thinking skills.
There was a time when people remembered telephone numbers, but we now store contact details in our mobile phones. GPS navigation removed the need to read maps, leaving many unable to navigate without access to digital devices.
The term ‘use it or lose it’ is often applied to physical activity, but when applied to cognitive thinking skills, over reliance on AI could become a serious issue. We might reach a point where we are less able to think for ourselves.
If overuse of AI leads to cognitive decline, the super power of effective thinking could be highly valued. However, it would be a power available to anyone who chooses to develop and maintain it through regular use.
Artificial Intelligence In Business and Education
It is commonly said that people using AI to boost their performance will replace those who do not. This might increase productivity and reduce costs, but the use of generative AI for content creation raises both practical and ethical questions.
In an attempt to boost productivity, reduce costs and remain competitive, many business owners are evaluating the use of generative AI. However, when using AI to manage heavy workloads, employees need to fact check to correct errors.
The use of AI in education is particularly controversial. Many students rely on AI to research, write, edit and proof read essays. This might earn them a passing grade, but it does not develop their problem solving and critical thinking skills.
The use of generative AI in creative industries is of growing concern, but AI lacks lived human experience. AI might be better used as an advanced search engine, to answer specific questions, learn more about and explore concepts, rather than produce shallow derivative content.
The Benefits of Content Research and Analysis
The purpose of content research is to collect and analyse information on a topic of relevance to a target audience, in order to create content that meets specific goals. The process can be performed faster and at lower cost using AI. However, there are consequences that should be considered.
A content research strategy is traditionally a time consuming process and might involve reading real world and online sources of information, such as newspapers and social media, or searching physical and digital archives. Data could also be collected using audience interviews and focus groups.
When human beings research and analyse a topic they typically explore a range of information and make decisions regarding relevance of particular details. This can provide them with perspective and depth of understanding that is lacking when content research and analysis is done using AI.
If an individual relies on AI to research, analyse and produce content it is possible they will have only a limited understanding of the subject matter. By contrast a person performing their own research and analysis will likely create content that demonstrates greater understanding, nuance and insight.
Evolutionary Forces Shaping Our Behaviour
The human brain is a power hungry organ and along with the rest of the body it requires sufficient nutrients and calories to function effectively. The struggle to find enough food often left our hunter gatherer ancestors at the edge of survival.
Evolution selects for behaviour that increases the probability an individual will survive long enough to pass their genes to subsequent generations. Therefore, if behaviour follows the path of least effort to achieve an objective and consumes the fewest calories this confers a survival advantage.
We evolved to survive in a world that was very different from the one we live in today, but we retain ancient instincts. Therefore, it is natural to use tools such as AI that can reduce our cognitive load and calorie requirements.
Our ancestors acquired knowledge and skills that could last a lifetime. However, in a world where what we learn can become outdated at a rapidly increasing rate even the most capable individuals will struggle to cope.
Finding, Storing and Recalling Information
Most of us are aware of the benefits of exercise and a healthy diet, but we are drawn to the path of least resistance. This behaviour increased our ancestors probability of survival, but in our modern world can be less advantageous.
More than two thousand years ago, the philosopher Socrates criticised the use of writing to record information, rather than memory. Perhaps there will be people today who reject the use of AI, in order to retain their own cognitive thinking skills.
Whether stored in books or on servers, we find it easier to remember where and how to find information, rather than the specific facts and figures. Using search engines to find information has reportedly rewired our brains and AI use might also cause changes.
We have learned to control some evolutionary drives. If we do this with AI, we might find a healthy balance. The use of artificial intelligence in business might become commonplace, but it is a tool over which we should retain control.
AI Strategies That Balance Benefits and Costs
AI outperforms humans at convergent data processing and pattern recognition, by matching like with like. Humans outperform AI at divergent creativity and lateral thinking, by linking things unlike each other. Strategies combining them could deliver increased performance on complex tasks.
Using AI as an assistant, that augments cognitive thinking skills, might help us retain and enhance them. We could provide purpose, directing AI to locate and analyse vast quantities of data, to which we apply the understanding that AI lacks.
Strategies that deliver the benefits of AI, but minimise risk to cognitive abilities, could also involve only using AI to assist in tasks normally beyond our abilities. This might also address some concerns regarding artificial intelligence and jobs
’Are you tired of thinking for yourself? Let me think for you.’ Such a tongue in cheek slogan might be applied to AI that performs cognitively demanding tasks for us. The challenge is to balance the benefits and costs of using AI, so that we prosper as human beings.