Workday Survey Finds Nearly Half of Workers Concerned About AI Impact on Critical Thinking

A report from Workday, based on a survey of 2,950 workers conducted last year, found that nearly half expressed concern that AI agents would lead to a decline in critical thinking skills. The survey highlights worker apprehensions as AI integrates into daily tasks.

This concern aligns with research indicating that heavy reliance on AI may affect skills in critical thinking, creativity, and judgment.

Anurag Dhingra, Cisco's senior vice president and general manager of enterprise connectivity and collaboration, stated in an October interview with Business Insider that such worries accompany major technological shifts. Dhingra noted the question of whether dependence on technology results in diminished cognitive abilities. He indicated that the outcome depends on usage patterns.

Dr. Majid Fotuhi, a Johns Hopkins professor studying neuroplasticity and Alzheimer's prevention, told Business Insider that passive reliance on technology can reduce critical thinking abilities. Fotuhi added that appropriate use of AI can enhance brain processing and analysis of information.

These perspectives underscore the dual potential of AI in cognitive development.

Recommendations to Maintain Cognitive Skills Experts recommended developing deep knowledge in specific topics to preserve critical thinking.

Anurag Dhingra stated that he invests time in understanding AI model construction and functions, using various models to process information. Gloria Mark, a chancellor's professor of informatics at the University of California, Irvine, suggested habits such as reading long-form materials or taking online courses that demand sustained focus to promote lifelong learning.

Another approach involves writing first drafts without AI assistance.

Geetha Rajan, a strategy leader who previously headed AI adoption at PwC, told Business Insider that she writes initial drafts independently before using AI to verify data or challenge content. Joe Depa, global chief innovation officer at EY, advised teams to draft content manually first, then refine it with AI tools like Copilot, which can identify issues or pose questions to stimulate thinking.

Vivienne Ming, chief scientist at the Possibility Institute and founder of Socos Labs, recommended using AI to test arguments by asking for counterpoints, creating productive friction in the process.

This method encourages users to refine their ideas through interaction with the technology.

Brain Exercises and Long-Term Strategies Michael Merzenich, a professor emeritus at the University of California, San Francisco Medical School and pioneer in brain plasticity research, told Business Insider that the brain requires regular exercise to remain sharp.

As founder and chief scientific officer of Posit Science Corporation, Merzenich emphasized activities that challenge cognitive functions. These strategies aim to counteract potential deskilling from AI dependence while leveraging technology for enhancement. The recommendations provide practical steps for workers to balance AI convenience with mental maintenance.

As AI adoption grows, ongoing surveys and research may further clarify its effects on workforce skills. Implementation of these habits could support sustained cognitive performance in AI-assisted environments.