AI & Critical Thinking: A Balanced Perspective

AI is a Tool and not a Replacement!

Introduction

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the way we work, think, and engage with information at what seems to be warp speed. Some reports have recently indicated that the use of AI is essentially making us all dumb because we’re using it to do our work for us while we play solitaire on the PC terminal. If that is truly happening, then it is a byproduct of poor management and training approaches in the workplace.

A Microsoft-backed survey of 319 knowledge workers found that individuals who frequently use AI in decision-making report lower cognitive effort and a diminished inclination to critically evaluate information (Lee et al., 2025). This raises important concerns about AI’s role in knowledge work and whether it is fostering intellectual complacency rather than enhancing human expertise.

As a Generation X professional, I have seen technology evolve from a useful tool to something people use on a daily basis. I’ve written other articles here and on Linkedin that clearly show up to 75% of the public sector workforce is using some type of AI to perform work-related tasks. AI is PhD-level smart in many areas and graduate-level smart in almost everything else so who wouldn’t want to have a pocket expert to pull out to assist them with their work?

However, AI should be just a tool to assist the human, and it shouldn’t be used to do all the work. The ability to think critically, analyze problems from different angles, and verify information is what separates those who understand their work from those who simply manage outputs. Our goal should be to use AI responsibly, making sure it enhances our skills rather than replaces them.

How AI Impacts Critical Thinking

Reduced Effort in Evaluating Information

Findings from the Microsoft study indicate that the more people trust AI, the less effort they put into verifying its accuracy. Workers who relied heavily on AI-generated responses were less likely to question results, cross-check sources, or engage in deeper analysis (Lee et al., 2025). This passive acceptance of AI-generated content increases the risk of misinformation and reduces intellectual engagement. It also indicates a massive failure by organizations to develop a proper AI governance policy, develop a use case, and properly train their employees on responsible AI use.

However, professionals who maintained confidence in their expertise were more likely to question AI’s responses, refine AI-generated content, and engage in critical oversight. This suggests that AI can be a valuable tool, but only when used as a supplement to human reasoning rather than a replacement for it. Unfortunately, the study doesn’t indicate whether or not these employees had any type of AI training, but I would think that these types of professionals would have sought out some supplementary information about responsible AI use.

When problem-solving is reduced to generating a response from an algorithm, what happens when those tools are wrong? Who will have the skills to detect inaccuracies or offer original insights? What liabilities will the organization incur due to potential employee negligence?

The Shift from Creation to Oversight

AI is changing how we approach problem-solving. Instead of engaging deeply in a task, many users now take on a supervisory role, overseeing AI’s outputs rather than generating original insights themselves (Lee et al., 2025). While AI can streamline workflows, this shift risks lowering our ability to assess information and make informed decisions.

For those of us who built careers before AI became widespread, this transformation is striking. There was a time when you had to build knowledge from the ground up, developing expertise through study, experience, and trial and error. AI now offers immediate answers, but without understanding how those answers are formed, professionals risk becoming passive users rather than active thinkers.

Microsoft’s Acknowledgment of AI’s Cognitive Risks

Even as Microsoft invests heavily in AI, the company acknowledges that AI may be undermining independent thinking. A report from Business Standard quotes Microsoft executives admitting that AI reliance is fostering intellectual dependency and reducing human engagement in higher-level reasoning (Business Standard, 2025). This highlights the need for a more intentional approach to AI use, one that enhances human intelligence rather than replacing it.

Using AI to Strengthen, Not Replace, Critical Thinking

1. Treat AI as a Support Tool, Not an Authority

AI should aid, not replace, human decision-making. Before using AI, take time to analyze problems independently. AI should serve as a second opinion, not the primary source of knowledge.

Ask yourself: If AI were not available, how would I solve this problem? What knowledge do I already have that can guide me? By engaging in problem-solving before turning to AI, you keep your critical thinking sharp.

2. Verify AI-Generated Content

AI predictions are based on probability, not factual understanding. Always cross-check AI-generated responses with reliable sources before using them in critical decisions.

The ease of AI makes it tempting to accept answers at face value, but professionals should develop habits of verification. Whether it is a business report, a legal document, or a research paper, double-checking AI-generated content against authoritative sources ensures accuracy and credibility.

3. Engage in Active Revision

AI-generated content can be well-structured but often lacks nuance. Reviewing, refining, and adding personal insights ensures that the final output maintains depth and context.

One way to strengthen your engagement is by rewriting AI-generated content in your own words. This forces you to internalize and process the information rather than simply passing along machine-generated text.

4. Use AI for Exploration, Not Final Judgment

AI is excellent for brainstorming and summarizing, but final decisions should be made through human reasoning. AI should help surface insights, not dictate conclusions.

When researching a topic, use AI as a starting point, not the final word. Compare its suggestions with your own understanding and other sources, and think critically about what aligns with real-world knowledge.

5. Promote AI Literacy

Understanding how AI works, including its biases and limitations, empowers users to question and refine its outputs. Organizations should prioritize AI education to ensure responsible use.

Too many people treat AI as a neutral entity when, in reality, it reflects the data it was trained on. Without AI literacy, users may fail to recognize bias, misinformation, or gaps in AI-generated responses. Learning how AI arrives at its conclusions allows professionals to engage more critically with its outputs.

6. Maintain a Hands-On Approach

The best way to ensure AI does not replace expertise is to remain actively involved in knowledge work. Stay engaged in learning new skills, reading in-depth research, and practicing independent problem-solving. Technology should assist growth, not stifle it.

Final Thoughts: Strike a Balance

AI offers immense benefits, but its misuse can erode essential cognitive skills. The Microsoft study emphasizes that without human oversight, AI can encourage intellectual passivity. To maximize AI’s potential while preserving critical thinking, we must approach it as a collaborative tool rather than a decision-maker.

As a Generation X professional, I see AI’s potential to help, but I also see its dangers. The best professionals will be those who can work alongside AI while still thinking for themselves. We should challenge ourselves to remain active thinkers, question information rigorously, and never allow AI to become a crutch that replaces true expertise. AI can process data, but it cannot replace wisdom.

By fostering AI literacy, maintaining intellectual vigilance, and ensuring human oversight, we can harness AI’s capabilities without sacrificing our ability to think independently.

References

Business Standard. (2025, February 17). Despite plans to invest $80B, Microsoft admits that AI is making us dumb. Business Standard. Retrieved from https://www.business-standard.com/technology/tech-news/despite-plans-to-invest-80-bn-microsoft-admits-that-ai-is-making-us-dumb-125021700254_1.html

Lee, H. P., Sarkar, A., Tankelevitch, L., Drosos, I., Rintel, S., Banks, R., & Wilson, N. (2025). The impact of generative AI on critical thinking: Self-reported reductions in cognitive effort and confidence effects from a survey of knowledge workers. CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI ’25), Yokohama, Japan. Retrieved from https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/uploads/prod/2025/01/lee_2025_ai_critical_thinking_survey.pdf