A variety of generative AI technologies have been developed in the past 3-4 years, and they are seen as very popular because they allow anyone to quickly create creative content without having to spend time learning the basics behind the creative abilities.
Recently, Microsoft and a group of researchers from Carnegie-Mellon University have released a research report that examines the link between the use of generative AI technologies and cognitive development and higher-order thinking abilities.
The research studied 319 individuals who used generative AI technologies at least once a week, and were asked to provide examples of generative AI technologies used in their tasks.
This use was separated into three categories, including content creation (writing emails), information (finding information, research) and advice (developing charts with the data provided). They were also asked whether they reviewed the output produced by these technologies before sending it out or using it for presentations.
36 percent of them said that they would review any output produced by generative AI services used to ensure that there are no errors or false data used in their reports or presentations.
For email writing, some of them said that reviewing submissions is necessary because sometimes there are issues where companies have their own hierarchical systems that prioritize seniority when communicating formally. AI still cannot understand different company cultures.
However, there are also many respondents who said that they are very confident in the capabilities of artificial intelligence technology, and only do a cursory review before using the information produced.
The researchers said that while some individuals will first review the work output produced by AI, on average, many will take the output and just use it as is. If left alone, there is a high probability that users' cognitive abilities will continue to decline due to blind reliance on artificial intelligence technology.
This Microsoft and Carnegie Mellon report does not say that users of generative AI will become increasingly stupid when using it, but that long-term reliance on generative AI technology will make it difficult to solve problems critically and independently.