AI Overuse Could Undermine Critical Thinking, Expert Warns

Jerusalem, 21 April, 2026 (TPS-IL) -- Baku (AZERTAC) – Excessive use of artificial intelligence and blind trust in it is changing people in several ways. Artificial Intelligence expert Dilara Zamanova told AZERTAC that first, at the individual level, humans are gradually starting to “transfer” decision-making.

“That is, things like choosing, comparing, and taking risks are reduced. As a result, a person’s confidence in their own decisions weakens. In simple situations, hesitation increases. ‘Should I decide myself or ask the system?’ This is already a behavior close to addiction. A person gets used to looking for answers instead of thinking for themselves,” Zamanova said.

“After a while, another effect appears: overly simplified thinking. Because artificial intelligence often provides information in a short, ready-made form. A person, on the other hand, uses his ability to break down and analyze complex issues himself less. This can also reduce the overall quality of thinking,” she added.

Over-reliance on AI also impacts social communication.

“People may begin to have difficulty communicating with real people. Because communication with AI is problem-free — there are no arguments, no emotional tension, the other person does not ‘wear you out,’ But communication in real life is not like that. A person who gets used to this difference may get tired more quickly in real relationships, run away, or move away,” Zamanova said.

In addition, the information environment is also affected.

“If people accept information from artificial intelligence without checking it, the spread of misinformation accelerates. Because the same wrong answer is reused by many people. This also reduces the overall quality of information,” she said.

According to Zamanova, problem is what she called “diffusion of responsibility” for decision-making. “Instead of standing behind the decision, people shift responsibility to the system, saying, ‘It was recommended that way,'” affecting the quality of decisions both in the work environment and in everyday life.

“In short, the problem is not with artificial intelligence itself. The problem is in the behavior of the person using it. Excessive trust can lead to the point where a person begins to take a weaker position towards both their own decision and real communication. This creates noticeable changes at both the individual and social levels in the long run,” Zamanova said.

“Yes, this technology is developing very rapidly, but it is still a tool. It analyzes information, finds connections, and draws conclusions. But it does not ‘live’ the situation like a human, does not feel it, and does not set its own goals. It simply works within a given framework. Therefore, it would be a bit of an exaggeration to say that artificial intelligence will soon achieve general intelligence at the human level,” she said. “What is more realistic is that it will take up more space in our lives and make many tasks easier. But this does not mean that it will completely replace humans.”

Zamanova stressed that for all of artificial intelligence’s benefits, it is not right to accept AI as the last word on a matter.

“You always need to check a little, approach it with a little skepticism. Otherwise, after a while, a person will have difficulty making decisions for himself,” she said.