How to stay smart in the age of AI: the science of critical thinking (www.nature.com)

In a recent exploration of the impact of AI on education, academics highlight a troubling trend: the growing reliance on generative AI tools, such as Codex, is leading to a decline in students' critical thinking skills. Research indicates that as AI handles more cognitive tasks, students are engaging less in the effortful cognitive processing essential for learning. A 2025 survey revealed that 90% of US faculty members believe AI will diminish students' ability to think critically, with many students acknowledging difficulty in problem-solving without AI assistance. This raises concerns, especially in fields like science, where critical analysis and evaluation are vital. Despite these challenges, education experts stress the necessity of nurturing critical thinking in the AI era. They recommend domain-specific teaching methods, emphasizing that critical thinking must be integrated within subject areas to be effective. Current initiatives, including a £2.5 million study by the Education Endowment Foundation, aim to rigorously examine AI's influence on learning processes. This research could pave the way for developing educational strategies that promote cognitive engagement while harnessing AI benefits, making it essential for educators to rethink how they structure tasks to encourage deeper intellectual involvement rather than outsourcing thinking to AI systems.