How to use artificial intelligence without giving up thinking?

Artificial intelligence can give us the answer in a few seconds; But it is still our responsibility to understand, challenge and decide that answer.

Ambassador Arjan - Maryam Shirafken: Artificial intelligence can write articles for us in a few seconds, solve problems and answer questions that we might have spent hours to find. But behind this convenience and speed, there is an important question: when machines think for us, will our brain gradually lose the ability to think independently?

When we outsource thinking

Imagine that you no longer need to think to write a text, solve a problem or even make a simple decision. Just write your request and wait a few seconds. The result is ready; No long searching, trial and error or struggling with thoughts.

This is the attraction that has made artificial intelligence a part of our daily lives. But Thomas Oppong, a writer in the field of technology and personal development, in an article about the impact of artificial intelligence on the human mind, warns of a consequence that may not be seen at first glance: the gradual handing over of the thinking process to machines.

He calls this situation "cognitive surrender"; A state in which, instead of using our mind to investigate, analyze and reach the answer, we trust the ready output of smart tools and abandon the responsibility of thinking.

The problem is not artificial intelligence; We are used to ready answers

Artificial intelligence is not inherently the enemy of thinking. This tool can help in learning, ideation and solving complex problems. The problem starts when its use takes the place of mental effort.

When we jump to a ready-made answer to every question, we may rob ourselves of the opportunity to practice skills such as analysis, reasoning, evaluating evidence, and independent decision-making.

Like many other abilities, the human mind needs practice to maintain its skills. If we always get the final answer from outside, we will have less opportunity to experience the path to that answer.

Of course, this does not mean that the use of artificial intelligence will decrease intelligence or memory every time. The extent of its effect depends on the type of use, the amount of mental involvement and the work we entrust to the tool.

When the router takes over the navigation

To understand this better, just think of a mobile phone router. This tool finds the route, measures the traffic and suggests the best route. But if we always and everywhere just follow its instructions, our wayfinding and ability to navigate independently may be less practiced.

Artificial intelligence can also play such a role. If we use it to explore multiple solutions, find flaws in our reasoning, or learn a topic, we have a tool to strengthen our mental abilities. But if we let it draw conclusions for us without checking, we may become consumers of ready-made answers.

The main difference is: do we use technology to help us think better or do we use it to escape from thinking?

Why is the quick answer not always the best answer?

One of the most attractive features of artificial intelligence is the ability to generate fluent and convincing answers. However, the fluency of an answer does not necessarily mean that it is correct. These tools may provide false information, ignore important details, or be wrong about a topic with certainty.

If the user accepts the answer without checking, two problems arise: they may believe the false information and at the same time lose the opportunity to critically evaluate it.

For this reason, intelligent use of artificial intelligence does not only mean knowing how to ask questions; It also requires the ability to check answers, compare sources, and detect errors.

We don't have to abandon artificial intelligence to preserve mental abilities. A more logical way is to change the way we use it.

1. Think for yourself before asking. Before handing over a problem to AI, take a few minutes to come up with an answer or write down some initial ideas. Then compare your result with the tool's suggestions.

2. Ask for clarification rather than a definitive answer. Ask AI to explain reasoning steps, reasons for a conclusion, and alternatives. This can help to better understand the subject.

3. Challenge the answers. Ask what evidence supports this conclusion, what assumptions it makes, and what circumstances might make it false.

4. Do some things without help. Writing a short text, solving a problem or planning the day can be an opportunity to practice independent thinking.

5. Verify before you trust. Check out important information from reputable sources, especially on scientific, medical, financial and news topics.

Artificial intelligence should be our assistant, not replace our mind

The advancement of technology does not mean that we should distance ourselves from smart gadgets. Artificial intelligence can make many things faster and give us more time for more important activities. But this advantage is valuable when we continue to play an active role in learning, analyzing and making decisions.

The main issue is not how smart the AI is; The issue is how conscious we are of using it.

If we leave the thinking to the machine every time we face a problem, we may gradually use less of our mental abilities. But if we use it to ask better questions, test ideas, and discover our mistakes, we can reap the benefits of technology without forgetting our role in the thinking process.