2 AI habits that can weaken your critical thinking, according to a BCG exec (www.businessinsider.com)

David Martin, Boston Consulting Group's global lead of people and organization, has raised concerns about the potential for AI to erode critical thinking and cognitive skills among workers. A recent BCG study of over 70 C-suite leaders indicated that half of them have observed the degradation of essential skills like problem framing and judgment within their organizations. Despite the significance of these skills for long-term performance, only 10% of companies have a plan to counter deskilling, leaving employees to navigate this challenge independently. Martin highlights two habits that can particularly undermine critical thinking: excessive reliance on AI-generated summaries and using AI for core business tasks. He warns that workers who lean too heavily on AI may struggle to engage deeply with material, leading to a superficial understanding that fails to withstand follow-up scrutiny. To combat cognitive decay, he suggests taking quarterly breaks from AI to ensure that employees can still perform their roles effectively without technological reliance. This balance is crucial for maximizing productivity gains while maintaining the cognitive skills necessary for strategic decision-making in the workplace.