Scots Worry AI is Eroding Critical Thinking & Memory Skills
Scots Worry AI is Eroding Critical Thinking & Memory Skills
A new survey reveals 70% of Scots fear AI is making people 'think less for themselves.' Experts warn of skill erosion and memory decline as reliance on technology grows. Is it time to unplug?
A recent survey has unveiled a growing concern among Scots regarding the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and technology on human cognition. The study, commissioned by Scottish Bridge and carried out by Find Out Now in mid-September, polled 1,002 Scottish adults, revealing significant anxieties about our increasing reliance on digital tools.
The most striking finding indicates that over two-thirds of Scots (70%) agree with the statement,
I worry that using AI to find instant answers means people are thinking less for themselves.
This sentiment isn't isolated; a substantial portion of the population also fears the broader effects of technology on memory.
More than four in 10 Scottish adults (41%) believe that relying on technology has made their memory worse. This concern is even more pronounced among younger demographics, with over 50% of 18 to 29-year-olds (52%) and people in their 30s (53%) expressing worries about their ability to remember key information. Half of all respondents (50%) specifically stated concerns about their memory not being as good as it used to be.
Academics are echoing these public anxieties. Professor Ana Basiri, director of the University of Glasgow's Centre for Data Science and AI, described the fears as "striking, but not surprising." She highlighted that while past technologies like calculators and GPS have quietly retired certain skills, AI represents a "next step, on a much bigger scale and dimension." Prof.
Basiri warned that not only are memorising facts and directions being outsourced, but also "judgment, first-draft thinking, and problem-solving skills."
Beyond cognitive erosion, there's also a "quieter social cost" and "self-isolation concerns" as people increasingly turn to chatbots over human interaction. While acknowledging AI isn't a "pure villain," Professor Basiri stressed the need for safeguards to ensure its benefits outweigh the risks.
Professor Andrew Hoskins, from the University of Edinburgh and author of 'Memorybot: AI And The End Of Human Memory,' offered a stark perspective. He suggests that with generative AI, humans are being "pushed out of the loop in the making of memory." This marks a shift from human reliance on tech for memory to one of dependency, where AI agents complete tasks and pursue goals on our behalf.
In light of these concerns, organisations like Scottish Bridge are promoting offline alternatives. Sarah Gunn, chairwoman of Scottish Bridge, notes that the card game offers a "fulfilling mental challenge" and is seeing increased interest from those seeking "offline social activities." She states that bridge "develops memory, concentration, problem-solving and teamwork skills," providing an opportunity to disconnect from screens and engage in strategic thinking.
The survey highlights a critical juncture for society as we grapple with the rapid advancement of AI and its profound implications for human intellect and social connection.
It prompts a vital conversation about how to harness technology's benefits without sacrificing essential human capabilities.
