A recent study has highlighted concerns regarding the reliance on artificial intelligence (AI) tools in the workplace, suggesting that such dependence could hinder individuals’ cognitive abilities.

The research involved over 300 participants employed in cognitive roles, revealing a significant drop in cognitive effort among many respondents. The study team evaluated more than 900 examples of AI applications in the workplace and noted a transformation in critical thinking, where tasks shifted from deep analysis to merely verifying and integrating information.

Conducted by Microsoft’s AI developer Copilot in collaboration with Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), the research found that individuals using AI tools often resort to simpler tasks instead of engaging in more complex cognitive functions. The study indicated that the improper use of technology could result in the deterioration of essential mental skills, with users tending to abandon challenging tasks like strategic thinking and problem-solving in favor of routine activities, such as validating AI-generated outputs.