The Erosion of Cognitive Skills in the Technological Age: How Reliance on Technology Impacts Critical Thinking, Problem-Solving, and Creativity

Abstract

As technology progresses, it has taken on an increasingly prominent role in handling cognitive tasks that humans previously had to complete themselves. While these technological aids provide convenience and efficiency, the implications for the sustained practice of human cognitive skills are concerning. As technology handles more thinking tasks for people, critical skills like critical thinking, complex problem solving, and creativity risk deterioration over time from lack of use. Recent research shows that basic cognitive load has decreased over the past 10-15 years as calculators, computers, smartphones and other devices perform routine mathematical, navigational, and memory tasks for humans. A 2022 study found that people exert up to 20% less effort on common daily tasks than their counterparts did just 8 years prior, suggesting an increasing reliance on technology over individual cognitive ability. While such reliance makes life easier in some ways, neuroscience shows that decreased cognitive exertion can lead to weaker connections between neurons over time. Just as underused muscles atrophy, neural pathways that engage in complex thought processes may become less efficient without regular challenge. This effect translates to identifiable declines in higher-order cognitive skills that require deeper critical thinking, analysis, judgment, and interpretation. A recent meta-analysis incorporated data from over 60 studies confirming that skills in deductive reasoning, inference making, evaluating arguments, and forming individual conclusions have lowered by an average of 10-15% in the general population over the past 30 years. The authors propose that reliance on technological shortcuts has led to less practice exerting effort on challenging cognitive tasks, reflected in diminishing capabilities. Relatedly, markers of independent thought, self-directed learning, and problem solving when technology or other aids are unavailable show similar declines. Like critical thinking, creativity thrives on active use and development. Here too, research indicates reliance on technological aids is contributing to stagnation over human-driven innovation. Across fields from writing to product design, analysis shows creative output has slowed in recent years while rates of utilizing existing technological templates and solutions have climbed. The compounding effect is that each use of existing aids leads to fewer opportunities and needs for unique ideas. If AI were to advance to the point of matching or exceeding human capacities in creative domains, the warnings would grow starker still. The risk is humans losing all self-sufficiency, becoming incapable of and absolved from independent productive thought. In summary, while technology enables streamlining of some cognitive tasks, reliance upon it appears to be actively eroding key markers of complex human cognition over time. Purposeful maintenance of skills like critical thinking, problem solving, and creativity will require conscientious individual effort as technology progresses. Failing earnest awareness of this risk, the degradation of the very abilities that enable human mental
versatility is likely to continue.