AI can make you smarter. Here’s one hack to get there.

AI assistants can boost productivity, yet some users say heavy reliance leaves them less confident in their own memory, writing, and problem-solving. Susette Brooks, a Philadelphia marketing director, noticed her thinking and writing skills slipping after she began using AI for emails.

Using tools to reduce mental effort is known as cognitive offloading. It can be useful, as with calculators or calendars, but AI can now take on broader tasks, including drafting documents and presentations.

Experts call the possible loss of abilities de-skilling. The article says overdependence may affect recall, critical thinking, writing, and creativity, particularly for people still developing those skills.

Many young adults are concerned. A Gallup and University of Pennsylvania survey found 68 percent of Gen Z respondents worry that offloading mental tasks could undermine skill-building; a similar share fear harm to critical thinking and social learning.

The proposed response is not necessarily to avoid AI, but to choose its uses more carefully. The article notes that people are drawn to easier options because thinking takes effort, making it important to preserve practice with tasks they want to do independently.