AI and Critical Thinking Decline

Summary of Gerlich (2025)​

This mixed-methods study explores whether AI tools weaken human critical thinking. Survey data from 666 participants, combined with interview insights, show a clear pattern: heavy AI users tend to offload cognitive tasks to digital tools, and this cognitive offloading mediates a measurable decline in critical-thinking scores. Younger individuals rely more heavily on AI and score lower, while higher-educated users maintain stronger critical-thinking abilities even when using AI.

Interviewees admitted they double-check less, remember less and rely on AI for planning, reasoning and writing. Some described AI as “thinking for me,” while others appreciated its ability to clarify concepts.

The author stresses that AI itself is not detrimental—uncritical dependence is. When used intentionally, AI can scaffold problem-solving, support explanation and extend learning. However, when used as a shortcut, it risks reducing deep processing and weakening intellectual autonomy.

Implications for Practice

1. Teach students explicit verification and cross-checking routines.
2. Incorporate “AI-assisted but not AI-replaced” learning tasks.
3. Emphasize metacognition to reduce unexamined dependence.
4. Evaluate process and reasoning, not just final outputs.

Table 2.23.3

Reference
Gerlich, M. (2025). AI tools in society: Impacts on cognitive offloading and the future of critical thinking. Societies, 15(1), Article 6. https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15010006

Suggested Citation
Ross, E. M., & Malar, D. B. J. (2025). AI and Critical Thinking Decline. Excellent Educator, 2(23), 3.