27 Aug AI Is Improving Efficiency Without the Human Risk. But at What Cost?
Without a doubt, the workplace has benefited from the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI)—reducing the risk of human error, increasing efficiency, and enabling advanced data analysis. But a system with the minimal risk of error might be too good to be true.
Using AI in business has improved business users’ performance by 66%, across 3 studies focusing on customer service, business writing on necessary documents, and coding small software project.
But are you aware of the catch?
AI and Your Brain Health
ChatGPT users were found to have the lowest scores when it comes to brain engagement, including in neural, linguistic, and behavioral levels, according to a 2025 study
The study divided the participants into three groups, looking at their ability to write several essays using OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google Search Engine, and nothing at all. It found that over the course of several months, participants who used ChatGPT got lazier and resorted to copy-and-paste at the end of the study.
The study concluded that the convenience of ChatGPT came at a cognitive cost.
Among the three groups, participants who did not use any Artificial Intelligence tool were recorded to have the highest brain neural connectivity, associated with creativity ideation, memory load, and semantic processing.
The same group was also found to be more curious, have more ownership and satisfaction in their essays.
Another 2025 study also found that people who use AI engage less in deep, reflective thinking, preferring AI-generated solutions.
AI and You: What Can You Do?
As we continue to see more tech-enabled solutions, whether in the workplace or your personal life, the challenge is to wield critical thinking skills.
Here’s how you can sharpen your critical thinking skills:
- Continue to be curious and ask questions
- Collect and review the data
- Reflect on decisions and solutions
- Practice active listening
- Question your assumptions and be willing to change perspective
- Be aware of your mental processes
When there is an overwhelming array of choices in front of you, it might be challenging to make a decision, especially over something that directly affects you, like your health.
You might be tempted to look for solutions elsewhere, even using artificial intelligence to make a comparative analysis for you. What AI can’t catch is the story and people behind the mission.
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Chow, A. R. (2025, June 23). ChatGPT may be eroding critical thinking skills, according to a new MIT study. TIME. https://time.com/7295195/ai-chatgpt-google-learning-school/
Gerlich, M. (2025). AI Tools in Society: Impacts on Cognitive Offloading and the Future of Critical Thinking. Societies, 15(1), 6. https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15010006
How to Improve Your Critical Thinking» The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology» The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute» University of Florida. (2024, January 30). UFHealth. https://wertheim.scripps.ufl.edu/2024/01/12/how-to-improve-your-critical-thinking/
Nielsen, J. (2023, July 16). AI Improves Employee Productivity by 66%. Nielsen Norman Group. https://www.nngroup.com/articles/ai-tools-productivity-gains/
