Rise of Artificial Stupidity: Bad use of Generative AI
How we are becoming less intelligent using AI systems
As AI systems become increasingly prevalent in our daily lives, there is a growing concern that they may actually be making us less intelligent. This phenomenon, known as artificial stupidity, is seen in how our reliance on AI for tasks like decision-making and problem-solving may be dulling our own cognitive abilities. Using AI for the right kind of tasks will make us more creative.
AI systems are supposed to take out the mundane word and encourage deeper thinking to solve bigger, more important problems. This means we can become more creative, better problem solvers, and excel at what we do. However, improvement is only possible if you are already proficient at a task.
The way many people are using AI systems such as ChatGPT is concerning. I fear this could lead to laziness and, more importantly, a lack of critical thinking skills.
AI systems are fantastic and very useful. I have been fortunate to have opportunities to build some. As with any system, it can be used for good or misused.
I see three main ways people are using AI systems like ChatGPT or any LLM application:
- For tasks that are not your expertise: For example, engineers using AI to create cover images for their blogs. I am an engineer, and I do the same. I have no interest in graphic design and don't want to get better at it.
- To become better at what you do: I am an experienced software engineer. Writing code and building better systems is my job. I want to get better at what I do. I pose questions on solving business problems to GPT, compare my thought process with AI's, and improvise.
- To simply get the job done: For example, a junior software engineer or a computer science student asking AI to write most of the code.
I think first and second are how the AI systems should be used. The third one is concerning. AI should be used as an assistant. Putting it in the driver's seat and merely following its instructions will make us lazy and less intelligent.
Understand the fundamentals of your work. Develop first principles thinking. Use AI to handle tasks you don't want to master, and your job won't be taken over by AI.
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