Whenever a new tool comes out these days, the first question that arises is, Is it making our life easier or making us lazy? When the calculator came out a few years ago, people said that children would no longer be able to learn maths. When the internet came, there was a fear that no one would read books. And now it is the turn of tools like ChatGPT, about which people say that it is making us “weak-minded”.
So let’s talk about this question today: Is ChatGPT eliminating our critical thinking?
What has changed after ChatGPT?
Think about a few years ago. We had to write our assignments ourselves. We had to type the email ourselves. If we had to apply somewhere, we had to write in our own words. But now the situation is different.
Today, many people are using ChatGPT for everything, from minor to major. Whether you want to write an email, need an article, need a social media caption, or want to talk to someone, ChatGPT is open directly.
The question is, is this facility making us smart or stupid?
What does MIT’s study say?
America’s MIT University recently conducted a study. Three groups were formed in it:
- The first group wrote its assignment using ChatGPT.
- The second group wrote it themselves.
- The third group used only Google.
When the brain activity of these people was checked, an interesting result came out. The brains of the people who wrote it themselves were more active. Their creativity and memory were working better. On the other hand, the brain of the group that used ChatGPT was not that active.
It is clear from this that when we leave everything to AI, our brain works less.
ALSO READ
ChatGPT Prompts For Image Designing
But is it always a loss?
If we look at history, this question has been raised with every new technology.
Writing: Greek philosopher Socrates was against writing. He believed that writing would weaken the human brain.
Printing press: When books started getting printed on a large scale, there was a fear that children would become dependent on books rather than developing their own critical thinking.
Calculator: People thought that no one would learn maths.
But today we know that all these inventions took man forward. Perhaps ChatGPT is also a part of that list. The only difference is how it is used. Cognitive Offloading – means lightening the load of the mind.
Be it ChatGPT or GPS, all work in the same way – they lighten the load of our minds. This is called Cognitive Offloading.
Like when you go out of the house, instead of remembering the map, you use Google Maps. Similarly, ChatGPT also helps in refining your ideas.
The problem arises when we start relying on it for everything. We stop trying to think for ourselves.
Where is the real danger?
If we become dependent only on ChatGPT, then:
- Our critical thinking may decrease.
- The habit of problem-solving can decrease.
- The confidence to cross-check everything can also end.
According to a Microsoft report, many employees now confirm through AI instead of doing research themselves. That means mental effort is decreasing.
So what is the solution?
The solution is very easy. First of all, get into the habit of working by yourself. Whatever you have to write, first write it from your mind. After that, use ChatGPT only for polishing or improvement.
That means consider the tool as your assistant, not the boss. Last thing, ChatGPT is not ending our thinking, but yes – it can definitely make us a little lazy. The real thing is how we use it.
If we hand over every work to it, then our thinking power may decrease. But if we use it as a helper, then it can make us better.
So the next time you open ChatGPT, try it yourself first. Trust your mind. Then take help from ChatGPT. This balance will keep you bright and make life easier.
So what do you think? Is ChatGPT ruining our critical thinking, or is it just a matter of our habits?
My name is Farhad Dawar and I am graduate of the Institute of Media and Communication Studies Bahaddin Zakariya University Multan Pakistan. I’m passionate about journalism and media, and I believe in journalism of courage, uncovering the truth, and shaping the future.
- Farhad Dawarhttps://dawartimes.com/author/admin/
- Farhad Dawarhttps://dawartimes.com/author/admin/
- Farhad Dawarhttps://dawartimes.com/author/admin/
- Farhad Dawarhttps://dawartimes.com/author/admin/
