Artificial intelligence tools are incredibly powerful for boosting productivity, sparking ideas, and automating routine tasks — but relying on them without care can erode your own thinking skills. The article argues that too many people treat AI like a “shortcut machine,” letting it generate answers or draft solutions without engaging deeply themselves, and this pattern can weaken critical reasoning, creativity, and long-term expertise over time.
To prevent this, the author recommends adopting an “AI as assistant, not autopilot” mindset. That means using AI to kick-start ideas, explore alternatives, and fill in gaps, but always keeping your own analytical judgment at the center of decision-making. For example, when AI generates a written draft, instead of posting it directly, you should critically evaluate, edit, and add your own insights so the final output reflects your perspective and reasoning.
Another central recommendation is to ask better questions so that AI augments your thinking rather than replaces it. Instead of prompting AI for ready-made solutions, frame questions that require analysis, comparisons, or justification, forcing you to engage with the reasoning process. For instance, asking “What assumptions underlie this approach?” or “What are the trade-offs between these options?” encourages reflection and prevents shallow acceptance of AI answers.
Finally, the article highlights the importance of continuous learning and self-reflection. Treat AI as a tool that surfaces possibilities, but not the ultimate authority, and make it a habit to validate its outputs against your own knowledge or trusted sources. This balanced approach — using AI to extend, not replace, your thinking — helps preserve your intellectual autonomy, sharpen your judgement, and ensure that AI empowers rather than diminishes your cognitive abilities.
