{"id":19256,"date":"2026-08-03T00:00:05","date_gmt":"2026-08-03T00:00:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/8657085.xyz\/?p=19256"},"modified":"2026-08-03T00:00:05","modified_gmt":"2026-08-03T00:00:05","slug":"will-ai-change-the-way-humans-think-scientists-are-beginning-to-find-out","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/8657085.xyz\/?p=19256","title":{"rendered":"Will AI change the way humans think? Scientists are beginning to find out"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <div style=\"display: grid; grid-template-columns: 300px 160px; gap: 2px; width: 460px; background: #eee; padding: 2px;\">\r\n\r\n  <!-- \u6574\u884c\u5bbd\u5e7f\u544a -->\r\n  <div style=\"grid-column: 1\/-1; width: 460px; height: 250px; background: #ccc; display: grid; place-items: center;\">\r\n  <script async type=\"application\/javascript\" src=\"https:\/\/a.magsrv.com\/ad-provider.js\"><\/script> \r\n <ins class=\"eas6a97888e2\" data-zoneid=\"5876674\"><\/ins> \r\n <script>(AdProvider = window.AdProvider || []).push({\"serve\": {}});<\/script>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n  <div style=\"grid-column: 1\/-1; width: 460px; height: 90px; background: #ccc; display: grid; place-items: center;\">\r\n  <script async type=\"application\/javascript\" src=\"https:\/\/a.magsrv.com\/ad-provider.js\"><\/script> \r\n <ins class=\"eas6a97888e2\" data-zoneid=\"5876676\"><\/ins> \r\n <script>(AdProvider = window.AdProvider || []).push({\"serve\": {}});<\/script>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <!-- \u5de6\u4fa7\u7ad6\u6392 -->\r\n  <div style=\"height: 250px; background: #ccc; display: grid; place-items: center;\">\r\n  <script async type=\"application\/javascript\" src=\"https:\/\/a.magsrv.com\/ad-provider.js\"><\/script> \r\n <ins class=\"eas6a97888e2\" data-zoneid=\"5876672\"><\/ins> \r\n <script>(AdProvider = window.AdProvider || []).push({\"serve\": {}});<\/script>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n  <div style=\"height: 500px; background: #ccc; display: grid; place-items: center;\">\r\n  <script async type=\"application\/javascript\" src=\"https:\/\/a.magsrv.com\/ad-provider.js\"><\/script> \r\n <ins class=\"eas6a97888e2\" data-zoneid=\"5876680\"><\/ins> \r\n <script>(AdProvider = window.AdProvider || []).push({\"serve\": {}});<\/script>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <!-- \u53f3\u4fa7\u6469\u5929\u697c\uff08\u548c\u5de6\u4fa7\u5b8c\u5168\u5bf9\u9f50\uff09 -->\r\n  <div style=\"grid-row: 3\/5; height: 750px; background: #ccc; display: grid; place-items: center;\">\r\n  <script async type=\"application\/javascript\" src=\"https:\/\/a.magsrv.com\/ad-provider.js\"><\/script> \r\n <ins class=\"eas6a97888e2\" data-zoneid=\"5876678\"><\/ins> \r\n <script>(AdProvider = window.AdProvider || []).push({\"serve\": {}});<\/script>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n  \r\n  <script async type=\"application\/javascript\" src=\"https:\/\/a.magsrv.com\/ad-provider.js\"><\/script> \r\n <ins class=\"eas6a97888e6\" data-zoneid=\"5876682\"><\/ins> \r\n <script>(AdProvider = window.AdProvider || []).push({\"serve\": {}});<\/script>\r\n<\/div><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div style=\"padding-right:0;padding-left:0\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Artificial intelligence is often discussed in terms of productivity, business transformation and economic growth. Yet a deeper scientific question is beginning to attract attention from psychologists, neuroscientists and cognitive researchers: as people increasingly rely on AI to think alongside them, could AI fundamentally change how the human mind works?<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The answer, according to emerging research, is yes. The more difficult question is whether those changes will ultimately strengthen human cognition or weaken it. Researchers are increasingly studying a phenomenon known as <strong>cognitive offloading<\/strong>: the delegation of mental tasks to external tools. While humans have always relied on such tools, from notebooks to calculators, generative AI may represent a new chapter because it can assist with reasoning, writing, memory retrieval and decision-making. <\/p>\n<h2 id=\"h-cognitive-offloading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cognitive offloading <\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Humans have long used technology to extend mental capabilities. Writing reduced the need to memorize large amounts of information. Maps reduced the burden of navigation. Search engines transformed information retrieval.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Psychologists describe this process as cognitive offloading, where external systems take over some mental tasks, freeing cognitive resources for other purposes. As researchers Evan Risko and Sam Gilbert have argued, this behaviour is a normal and often beneficial aspect of human cognition. Artificial intelligence, however, differs from previous technologies because it can assist with activities once considered uniquely human. Instead of merely storing information, AI systems can summarize scientific papers, draft reports, generate code, suggest strategies and provide seemingly reasoned answers to complex questions. This raises concerns about whether people may begin outsourcing not only memory and calculation, but also critical thinking itself.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"h-the-rise-of-the-ai-copilot\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">The rise of the AI \u201ccopilot\u201d<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Recent research suggests that the impact of AI depends heavily on how it is used. A study discussed in <em>Frontiers in Psychology<\/em> identified two broad patterns of AI engagement. In one, users rely heavily on AI-generated outputs and accept recommendations with minimal scrutiny. The researchers termed this \u201cdependent offloading.\u201d In the second approach, users employ AI as a brainstorming partner while remaining actively involved in evaluating and refining the results. This \u201cautonomous offloading\u201d appears to preserve human reasoning while benefiting from AI assistance. <\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The distinction has been described as the difference between an AI \u201cboss\u201d and an AI \u201ccopilot.\u201d When AI becomes the decision-maker, human engagement may decline. When AI serves as a support tool, people remain cognitively involved. This debate is becoming increasingly important in workplaces where AI tools are rapidly becoming embedded in everyday tasks.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One area attracting scientific attention is memory. Researchers have long known about the \u201cGoogle Effect,\u201d where people are less likely to remember information if they know it can easily be retrieved later. Instead of remembering a fact, people remember where to find it. AI may amplify this trend. Rather than retaining knowledge internally, users may increasingly rely on chatbots and virtual assistants as external memory systems. Psychologists refer to this as a form of <em>transactive memory<\/em>, where information is distributed across people and technologies rather than stored entirely within an individual\u2019s brain. <\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This does not necessarily mean people will become less intelligent. Instead, the skills being emphasized may shift. Memorization could become less important, while evaluating information quality and identifying trustworthy sources may become more valuable.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Perhaps the greatest concern involves critical thinking. Researchers from Microsoft Research surveyed knowledge workers about their use of generative AI and found that confidence in AI systems was associated with reduced critical thinking effort. At the same time, individuals with greater confidence in their own abilities were more likely to engage critically with AI-generated outputs. The study found that AI shifted human effort toward tasks such as verification, oversight and response integration rather than original generation.  The findings suggest that AI does not eliminate critical thinking, but changes its focus. Instead of creating content from scratch, people increasingly assess, validate and refine machine-generated suggestions. <\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, researchers warn that excessive trust in AI may encourage what psychologists call <strong>automation bias<\/strong>: a tendency to accept computer-generated recommendations even when they are incorrect. <\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Psychologists are also examining whether AI could contribute to professional de-skilling. Historically, similar concerns arose with calculators, GPS navigation and aircraft autopilot systems. Skills that are used less frequently can deteriorate over time. Some experts believe AI could produce similar effects in fields ranging from education and medicine to law and engineering. <\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The American Psychological Association has highlighted concerns that over-reliance on AI may reduce opportunities for developing expertise. Inexperienced users may be particularly vulnerable because they lack the knowledge needed to evaluate whether AI outputs are correct. Experts, by contrast, often use AI more effectively because they possess a stronger foundation for verification. This suggests that AI literacy may become just as important as digital literacy.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"h-ai-could-also-enhance-cognition\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">AI could also enhance cognition<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While concerns often dominate headlines, the scientific picture is not uniformly negative. Several studies indicate that structured use of AI can enhance learning and reasoning rather than diminish them. Research into educational applications has shown that when students use AI as a scaffold for reflection, critique and revision, critical thinking performance can improve. The benefits appear strongest when users remain actively engaged rather than passively accepting AI-generated answers. Similarly, researchers have found that guided prompting techniques can encourage deeper reflection and reasoning while reducing passive cognitive offloading. In other words, AI\u2019s impact may depend less on the technology itself than on human behaviour.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Neuroscientists emphasise that the human brain is highly adaptable. Through neuroplasticity, patterns of thinking can change in response to new environments and technologies. If AI becomes a routine companion for work, education and everyday life, future generations may develop different cognitive strengths than previous ones. They may memorize fewer facts but become more adept at information management, synthesis and human-machine collaboration. The long-term consequences remain uncertain. As University of Michigan researchers recently noted, there is currently limited evidence about how widespread AI use may affect cognition over decades, making continued research essential. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- \u603b\u5bb9\u5668\uff1a\u6700\u5927\u5bbd908px Grid\u7d27\u51d1\u5e03\u5c40 -->\r\n<div style=\"display: grid; grid-template-columns: 728px 160px; gap:2px; width:908px; background:#eee; padding:2px;\">\r\n\r\n  <!-- \u901a\u680f\u9876\u90e8\uff1a\u6700\u5927\u6a2a\u5e45 908x258 \u8de8\u6574\u884c -->\r\n  <div style=\"grid-column:1\/-1; height:258px; background:#ff6b6b; display:grid; place-items:center;\">\r\n    <!-- JuicyAds v3.0 -->\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\" data-cfasync=\"false\" async src=\"https:\/\/poweredby.jads.co\/js\/jads.js\"><\/script>\r\n<ins id=\"1114307\" data-width=\"908\" data-height=\"258\"><\/ins>\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\" data-cfasync=\"false\" async>(adsbyjuicy = window.adsbyjuicy || []).push({'adzone':1114307});<\/script>\r\n<!--JuicyAds END-->\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <!-- \u7b2c\u4e8c\u901a\u680f\uff1a728\u00d790 \u901a\u680f -->\r\n  <div style=\"grid-column:1\/-1; height:90px; background:#4ecdc4; display:grid; place-items:center;\">\r\n    <!-- JuicyAds v3.0 -->\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\" data-cfasync=\"false\" async src=\"https:\/\/poweredby.jads.co\/js\/jads.js\"><\/script>\r\n<ins id=\"1114300\" data-width=\"728\" data-height=\"90\"><\/ins>\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\" data-cfasync=\"false\" async>(adsbyjuicy = window.adsbyjuicy || []).push({'adzone':1114300});<\/script>\r\n<!--JuicyAds END-->\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <!-- \u5de6\u4fa7\u4e3b\u680f\uff1a\u591a\u5e7f\u544a\u5806\u53e0 -->\r\n  <div style=\"display:grid; gap:2px;\">\r\n    <div style=\"height:60px; background:#45b7d1; display:grid; place-items:center;\">\r\n\t<!-- JuicyAds v3.0 -->\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\" data-cfasync=\"false\" async src=\"https:\/\/poweredby.jads.co\/js\/jads.js\"><\/script>\r\n<ins id=\"1114308\" data-width=\"468\" data-height=\"60\"><\/ins>\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\" data-cfasync=\"false\" async>(adsbyjuicy = window.adsbyjuicy || []).push({'adzone':1114308});<\/script>\r\n<!--JuicyAds END-->\r\n\t<\/div>\r\n    <div style=\"height:250px; background:#ffe066; display:grid; place-items:center;\">\r\n\t<!-- JuicyAds v3.0 -->\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\" data-cfasync=\"false\" async src=\"https:\/\/poweredby.jads.co\/js\/jads.js\"><\/script>\r\n<ins id=\"1114299\" data-width=\"300\" data-height=\"250\"><\/ins>\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\" data-cfasync=\"false\" async>(adsbyjuicy = window.adsbyjuicy || []).push({'adzone':1114299});<\/script>\r\n<!--JuicyAds END-->\r\n\t<\/div>\r\n    <div style=\"height:250px; background:#ff9ecd; display:grid; place-items:center;\">\r\n\t<!-- JuicyAds v3.0 -->\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\" data-cfasync=\"false\" async src=\"https:\/\/poweredby.jads.co\/js\/jads.js\"><\/script>\r\n<ins id=\"1114305\" data-width=\"250\" data-height=\"250\"><\/ins>\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\" data-cfasync=\"false\" async>(adsbyjuicy = window.adsbyjuicy || []).push({'adzone':1114305});<\/script>\r\n<!--JuicyAds END-->\r\n\t<\/div>\r\n    <div style=\"height:139px; background:#c792ea; display:grid; place-items:center;\">\r\n\t<!-- JuicyAds v3.0 -->\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\" data-cfasync=\"false\" async src=\"https:\/\/poweredby.jads.co\/js\/jads.js\"><\/script>\r\n<ins id=\"1114302\" data-width=\"133\" data-height=\"139\"><\/ins>\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\" data-cfasync=\"false\" async>(adsbyjuicy = window.adsbyjuicy || []).push({'adzone':1114302});<\/script>\r\n<!--JuicyAds END-->\r\n\t<\/div>\r\n    <div style=\"height:125px; background:#91e7ac; display:grid; place-items:center;\">\r\n\t\r\n<!-- JuicyAds v3.0 -->\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\" data-cfasync=\"false\" async src=\"https:\/\/poweredby.jads.co\/js\/jads.js\"><\/script>\r\n<ins id=\"1114303\" data-width=\"125\" data-height=\"125\"><\/ins>\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\" data-cfasync=\"false\" async>(adsbyjuicy = window.adsbyjuicy || []).push({'adzone':1114303});<\/script>\r\n<!--JuicyAds END-->\r\n\t<\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <!-- \u53f3\u4fa7\u7ad6\u680f\uff1a160\u00d7600 \u6574\u5217\u9ad8\u5e7f\u544a -->\r\n  <div style=\"grid-row:3\/8; height:600px;  display:grid; place-items:center;\">\r\n    <!-- JuicyAds v3.0 -->\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\" data-cfasync=\"false\" async src=\"https:\/\/poweredby.jads.co\/js\/jads.js\"><\/script>\r\n<ins id=\"1114301\" data-width=\"160\" data-height=\"600\"><\/ins>\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\" data-cfasync=\"false\" async>(adsbyjuicy = window.adsbyjuicy || []).push({'adzone':1114301});<\/script>\r\n<!--JuicyAds END-->\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n<\/div><br \/>\n<br \/> Will AI change the way humans think? Scientists are beginning to find out<br \/>\n<br \/>#change #humans #Scientists #beginning #find<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Artificial intelligence is often discussed in terms of productivity, business transformation and economic growth. 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