The Collision: What AI Does to Us (mitsloan.mit.edu)

In his new book, "The Collision: What AI Does to Us," MIT professor Eric So explores the dichotomy of AI usage among individuals, categorizing users as either thinkers who enhance their cognition with AI, or those who become overly reliant on it, risking cognitive atrophy. So warns that while AI can dramatically increase productivity by completing tasks quickly, it may degrade critical thinking skills and disrupt our natural ability to engage with complex problems, a phenomenon he refers to as "AI gravity." He emphasizes that the seductive efficiency of AI can lead to a weakening of essential cognitive abilities if individuals routinely outsource their thinking. To address this challenge, So offers four strategies for leveraging AI without losing cognitive prowess: individuals should identify and retain their unique thinking skills, managers should encourage engagement and reasoning in employees over mere output, executives must view AI adoption as a means to invest in talent development rather than simply cutting costs, and educators should teach students to use AI as a tool rather than a crutch. Ultimately, So advocates for using AI to amplify human capabilities and free up time for deeper thought, positioning AI as a powerful ally when utilized thoughtfully rather than a replacement for human cognition.