Rex Tech Talk: AI Affecting Intelligence?

I remember when spell check was added to all of my devices. I had already been a terrible speller, but I found myself struggling to spell more and more. 

Words that I swore I knew how to spell were suddenly looking strange, and I started even second guessing basic words I had been writing for years. 

While I love spell check and appreciate what it offers, I did notice a dramatic decrease in my ability to independently spell words I had known previously. “Spell check will fix it,” is always in my mind while typing or texting. I also have a mentality of, “As long as I get enough letters correct with the correct sound, spell check will figure it out.” 

You realize how bad it is when spell check can’t even figure out what you are trying to spell. 

Like spell check, I have noticed that people are starting to rely on AI in every aspect of their writing. 

I have started to even receive text messages that have clearly been crafted by AI. While I have personally found this strange, I have heard several arguments for his AI integration into all faucets of life. People who know English as their second, third, or even fourth language find that it saves them time and gives them more confidence in their communication. Working people who have to send 100s of emails and texts a day talk about how much time they save. 

The question now is how much of our writing and communication skills are we losing by the reliance on AI to write emails, social media posts, text messages, and everything in between?

A recent study raised red flags in regards to the loss of skills from chronic AI use. This study helps us understand that relying too much on any tool that can “think for us,” can affect how much we think. 

I know that is such a silly statement, but our brain constantly is adjusting to life. It makes sense that once we provide a crutch to our brain in areas where it was constantly being exercised, our brain would become dependent on AI. 

So what do we do with this information? Use AI responsibly. AI is a tool, but it shouldn’t replace your critical thinking. 

I personally like to use AI as a brainstorming buddy after I personally attempt brainstorming. This method allows me to still rely on my own thinking, but then use AI to expand my typical perspective into possible blind spots I have. I also like to ask AI to review and provide feedback after I write something. The funny thing is, I typically still prefer my own writing, but that’s a topic for another day. 

So to conclude, USE YOUR BRAIN! 😉Use it or lose it. We would love to help you expand your technology knowledge through any of our online classes. Outside of just technology knowledge, learning computer science helps increase critical thinking skills and problem solving. Taking our classes can help your student combat the negative impact AI may be having on their academic life. Reach out for more information!