Staying Sharp in the Era of AI: A User's Guide

AI is everywhere, from quick email responses to complex data analysis. But is it making us lazy thinkers? The convenience of AI comes with a risk of deskilling. Here’s where it gets practical. Balancing AI use with brain engagement is key.

Dig Deep, Stay Sharp

Experts suggest immersing yourself in subjects deeply. Anurag Dhingra from Cisco believes that understanding AI models, for example, keeps his critical thinking sharp. Gloria Mark at UC Irvine echoes this, recommending long-form reading to sustain focus. It's about maintaining the hunger for knowledge like we did in school.

Get Hands-On with First Drafts

There's something about writing your own first drafts. Geetha Rajan, who led AI efforts at PwC, insists on drafting her work initially, then using AI for refinement. Joe Depa at EY tells his team to draft emails before letting AI tweak them. Why rely on AI to hatch ideas when you can use it to polish your own?

Working the Brain Muscle

Michael Merzenich, a brain plasticity pioneer, says our brains need a workout. Picking up challenging hobbies or taking new routes without GPS can do wonders. Aniket Kittur from Carnegie Mellon suggests that if a task feels tough, it’s building real skill. Isn’t that what we all want?

Discernment in the Age of AI

The catch isn't to accept every AI output. Sol Rashidi, formerly of IBM, advises building discernment muscles. Don’t just copy-paste AI responses. question them. Vivienne Ming warns against the “competence illusion,” where AI-generated work feels like our own. Can you explain your AI-aided work without peeking at the screen?

The real test is always the edge cases. AI can boost productivity, sure. But sharpening our minds, the human touch still matters. Use AI wisely, like a well-sharpened tool in your cognitive toolkit.