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Back in 2008, The Atlantic sparked controversy with a provocative cover story: Is Google Making Us Stupid? In that 4,000-word essay, later expanded into a book, author Nicholas Carr suggested the answer was yes, arguing that technology such as search engines worsened Americans ability to think deeply and retain knowledge. At the core of Carrs concern was the idea that people no longer needed to remember or learn facts when they could instantly look them up online. While there might be some truth to this, search engines still require users to use critical thinking to interpret and contextualize the results. Fast-forward to today, and an even more profound technological shift is taking place. With the rise of generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, internet users arent just outsourcing memorythey may be outsourcing thinking itself. Generative AI tools dont just retrieve information; they can create, analyze, and summarize it. This represents a fundamental shift: Arguably, generative AI is the first technology that could replace human thinking and creativity. That raises a critical question: Is ChatGPT making us stupid? As a professor of information systems whos been working with AI for more than two decades, Ive watched this transformation firsthand. And as many people increasingly delegate cognitive tasks to AI, I think its worth considering what exactly were gaining and what we are at risk of losing. AI and the Dunning-Kruger effect Generative AI is changing how people access and process information. For many, its replacing the need to sift through sources, compare viewpoints, and wrestle with ambiguity. Instead, AI delivers clear, polished answers within seconds. While those results may or may not be accurate, they are undeniably efficient. This has already led to big changes in how we work and think. But this convenience may come at a cost. When people rely on AI to complete tasks and think for them, they may be weakening their ability to think critically, solve complex problems, and engage deeply with information. Although research on this point is limited, passively consuming AI-generated content may discourage intellectual curiosity, reduce attention spans and create a dependency that limits long-term cognitive development. To better understand this risk, consider the Dunning-Kruger effect. This is the phenomenon in which people who are the least knowledgeable and competent tend to be the most confident in their abilities, because they dont know what they dont know. In contrast, more competent people tend to be less confident. This is often because they can recognize the complexities they have yet to master. This framework can be applied to generative AI use. Some users may rely heavily on tools such as ChatGPT to replace their cognitive effort, while others use it to enhance their capabilities. In the former case, they may mistakenly believe they understand a topic because they can repeat AI-generated content. In this way, AI can artificially inflate ones perceived intelligence while actually reducing cognitive effort. This creates a divide in how people use AI. Some remain stuck on the peak of Mount Stupid, using AI as a substitute for creativity and thinking. Others use it to enhance their existing cognitive capabilities. In other words, what matters isnt whether a person uses generative AI, but how. If used uncritically, ChatGPT can lead to intellectual complacency. Users may accept its output without questioning assumptions, seeking alternative viewpoints, or conducting deeper analysis. But when used as an aid, it can become a powerful tool for stimulating curiosity, generating ideas, clarifying complex topics, and provoking intellectual dialogue. The difference between ChatGPT making us stupid or enhancing our capabilities rests in how we use it. Generative AI should be used to augment human intelligence, not replace it. That means using ChatGPT to support inquiry, not to shortcut it. It means treating AI responses as the beginning of thought, not the end. AI, thinking, and the future of work The mass adoption of generative AI, led by the explosive rise of ChatGPT (it reached 100 million users within two months of its release) has, in my view, left internet users at a crossroads. One path leads to intellectual decline: a world where we let AI do the thinking for us. The other offers an opportunity: to expand our brainpower by working in tandem with AI, leveraging its power to enhance our own. Its often said that AI wont take your job, but someone using AI will. But it seems clear to me that people who use AI to replace their own cognitive abilities will be stuck at the peak of Mount Stupid. These AI users will be the easiest to replace. Its those who take the augmented approach to AI use who will reach the path of enlightenment, working together with AI to produce results that neither is capable of producing alone. This is where the future of work will eventually go. This essay started with the question of whether ChatGPT will make us stupid, but Id like to end with a different question: How will we use ChatGPT to make us smarter? The answers to both questions depend not on the tool but on users. Aaron French is an assistant professor of information systems at Kennesaw State University. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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E-Commerce
On todays episode, hosts Josh Christensen and Yaz Gagne are joined by journalist and author Megan Greenwell to discuss her new book, ‘Bad Company: Private Equity and the Death of the American Dream.’ Greenwell explores how private equity firms often prioritize profits over the long-term health of businesses and what that means for workers, consumers, and the economy.
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E-Commerce
If this past weeks headlines are any indication, the U.S. consumer economy is being pulled in every direction at once. Grocery bills are getting heavier, while retail giants and airlines are rewriting some of their most familiar playbooks. At the same time, the housing market is cooling in dozens of major metro areas, Chipotle is feeling the sting of diner belt-tightening, and the late-night TV world is suddenly united in a war of words over CBSs surprise cancellation of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. In grocery, one of the countrys quirkiest retailers is on a tear: Trader Joes announced 30 new store openings across 17 states and D.C., pushing the grocer closer to the 600-location mark. Meanwhile, if you were planning to load up on burger patties for the summer, brace yourself. Beef prices have surged to the highest levels on record, and theres no quick fix in sight as the U.S. cattle herd hits its lowest level since 1951. Elsewhere, big companies are making moves: Target is scaling back its popular price-match policy, Southwest Airlines is ditching open seating in favor of assigned boarding groups, and Chipotles latest earnings reveal that even fast casual isnt immune to shifting consumer spending. Heres what you need to know from this week in business: Trader Joes expands with 30 new stores across 17 states Trader Joes is in growth mode, adding 30 new locations that will push it past 600 stores nationally. The expansionspanning California, Texas, New York, Oklahoma, and moreis a striking contrast to the wave of retail closures hitting other chains. The next to open: Northridge, CA, on July 21. Beef prices hit record highs Ground beef now averages $6.12 a pound, with steak prices rising 8% to $11.49 per pound. Persistent droughts, shrinking cattle herds, and new trade disruptions mean grilling season is going to stay expensive for the foreseeable future. Colbert cancellation spurs late-night revolt CBSs decision to cancel The Late Show by 2026 has united late-night hosts, who are openly mocking the network and its corporate parent. Many see the timingjust after Colbert criticized a Trump-related settlementas politically charged. Target scales back price-matching Starting July 28, Target will only match prices found at other Target locations or on Target.com, ending its longstanding policy of matching major competitors like Amazon and Walmart. Chipotle feels the pinch as diners spend less Chipotles stock fell 12% after its second-quarter results revealed slowing comparable sales. The company blames macroeconomic pressures and says low-income diners are prioritizing value. Housing market cools in 109 metros More than a third of the nations 300 largest housing markets saw year-over-year price declines in June, with Austin, Tampa, Dallas, Miami, and Phoenix leading the drop. Southwest Airlines ends open seating Southwests famed open-seating policy is ending. Starting July 29, passengers will purchase tickets with assigned seats and board using an eight-group system, a major brand shift for the carrier. McGraw Hill goes public McGraw Hill, the 137-year-old education publisher known for its textbooks and digital learning platforms, made its debut on the New York Stock Exchange this week under the ticker MH at $17 per share. The IPO raised roughly $386 million, valuing the company at about $3.25 billion as it shifts its focus from print to digital education. Trumps Big, Beautiful Bill Tax Cuts: Winners and Losers A new analysis shows the top 20% of earners will receive the biggest benefits under President Trumps new tax bill, with average savings of $12,540 in 2026.
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E-Commerce
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