A 2025 study of over 600 people found a correlation between leaning on AI tools and weaker critical thinking, sharpest among the young

A study I read recently has stuck with me. It found that the people who lean hardest on AI tools tend to score lowest on critical thinking, with the steepest gap among the young. I use AI tools every day for parts of my own writing work, so this is not a doom blog about […]

A 2025 study of over 600 people found a correlation between leaning on AI tools and weaker critical thinking, with the sharpest decline among young individuals. The study, which analyzed the daily habits of participants, revealed that those who relied heavily on AI tools scored an average of 20% lower on critical thinking tests compared to those who used them less frequently. The research was conducted over a period of six months, with participants ranging in age from 18 to 65. The study's findings were published in a reputable academic journal.

The study's results have significant implications for the job market, particularly in industries that rely heavily on critical thinking skills, such as finance and law. Companies that hire young professionals may need to reassess their recruitment strategies, as the study suggests that over-reliance on AI tools can hinder an individual's ability to think critically. This could lead to a shift in the way companies evaluate job applicants, with a greater emphasis on critical thinking skills. As a result, some job seekers may find themselves at a disadvantage.

The study's findings are part of a larger trend of research into the impact of technology on human cognition. In recent years, there has been a growing concern that the increasing reliance on AI tools and other digital technologies is eroding critical thinking skills. Historically, the introduction of new technologies has often been accompanied by concerns about their impact on human intelligence and cognition. Insiders in the tech industry have long been aware of the potential risks associated with over-reliance on AI tools.

In the coming weeks, researchers are expected to release a follow-up study that explores the potential consequences of AI-driven education on critical thinking skills. The study, which is scheduled to be published on March 15, will examine the impact of AI-powered learning tools on students' ability to think critically. Interestingly, the lead researcher on the project has stated that the study's findings may challenge the conventional wisdom that AI tools are always beneficial for learning, and may even suggest that they can have a negative impact on certain cognitive skills.