More than 40% of U.S. workers now use artificial intelligence (AI) on the job, but relying on the technology to replace critical thinking and creativity could hurt long-term career growth, according to a report published Sunday.
Sandra Matz, a professor at Columbia Business School, warned that using AI to “outsource critical thinking or creative reasoning” could leave employees complacent and make their work increasingly indistinguishable from others, according to a report by CNBC. A March study by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis found that 43% of U.S. workers already use AI in their jobs.
AI As A Productivity Tool
Matz said AI works best as a productivity tool that removes repetitive work or serves as a brainstorming partner, rather than replacing human judgment.
Americus Reed II, a marketing professor at the Wharton School, described excessive dependence on AI as “cognitive surrender,” saying workers should spend less time processing information and more time creating meaning.
Experts also cautioned against relying on AI for workplace communication. Matz said using AI to draft emails or messages could gradually erode trust among colleagues because authentic interactions often depend on imperfect, human communication.
Dorothy Leidner, a business and ethics professor at the University of Virginia, added that younger professionals may face greater risks because they have not yet developed the expertise needed to use AI as a thinking aid rather than a thinking replacement.
Beyond The Workplace
The warnings echo broader concerns about AI’s impact on learning and critical thinking. Earlier this year, educators warned that many Gen Z students were increasingly relying on AI-generated summaries instead of reading assigned materials, raising concerns that the habit could weaken reading comprehension, critical thinking and long-term learning.
The debate also comes as business leaders continue to argue that AI will transform, rather than eliminate, jobs. Investor Kevin O’Leary has said AI is likely to create new industries and higher-skilled opportunities, while Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:NVDA) CEO Jensen Huang has argued that workers are more likely to be displaced by people who know how to use AI than by AI itself.
Former White House communications director and SkyBridge Capital founder Anthony Scaramucci has also said AI could increase demand for jobs requiring human interaction, empathy and personal presence as routine tasks become increasingly automated.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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