Critical Thinking and AI

Why in news?

In the recent trends AI is becoming a common tool in the workplace, but critical thinking remains essential for navigating its impact effectively.

What is an artificial intelligence (AI)?

• Artificial intelligence – It refers to the creation of computer systems capable of performing tasks that normally require human intelligence.
  • These tasks include learning, problem-solving, and decision-making.
  • AI includes various technologies, such as machine learning and deep learning, which allow machines to analyze data, recognize patterns, and make predictions.
• AI usage trends – AI is becoming the quiet companion in everyday business, whether it’s summarizing reports, coming up with new content, or automating those dull data entry.

Microsoft’s 2024 Work Trend Index says that a whopping 75% of Gen Z workers and 68% of Millennials utilize generative AI tools like ChatGPT or Copilot for work every week.

• Older generation’s adaption – Gen X and Boomers are also starting to utilize AI technologies, although not as quickly.
  • Only approximately 28% of Gen X and 17–22% of Boomers use them every week.
• Gap between generations – Young professionals are not just okay with AI, but are also pushing it into the workplace.
  • Attitudes and purpose – Younger generations use AI creatively (learning, hobbies, emotional support), while older adults use it mainly for work tasks and are less trusting of AI overall.

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What is the need of critical thinking in using AI?

The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 says it clearly - critical thinking is now one of the three most important talents for the future.

• To do right things – AI can write emails and do complex math, but it can’t check to see whether the data is skewed or the advice is fair.
  • Emphasizing the need of people who can do the right things in a world when AI can do practically everything properly.
• To develop problem solving skills – Critical thinking gives people the abilities they need to solve hard issues, make moral choices, and come up with new ideas.
  • For example, a supply chain manager who is dealing with a worldwide crisis can use dashboards and AI forecasts to aid, but it’s her judgment that analyses options and takes the hard choices.
  • Or picture a data scientist that doesn’t only praise how accurate an AI model is, but also looks for hidden biases before they make the news.
• Enhance skill for survival – It gives people the capacity to tell the difference between what hype is and what’s useful.
  • It helps individuals think critically about digital technologies, find areas where they need to learn more, and plan flexible, long-term career trajectories.
• To combine AI’s speed with human judgment – The IT executive who picks a cloud vendor doesn’t only look at performance data, she also looks at hidden expenses and long-term dangers.
  • When a communications officer has to deal with a data breach, they don’t merely follow what an algorithm says would “optimize sentiment”, but do think about their legal obligation and the public’s confidence.
• To uphold Purpose – By taking into account legal requirements, brand reputation, and social trust, the experts don’t just “use AI” but they guide it with thought and purpose.

What is the role of critical thinking along with AI?

• Analytical decision making – A computer could mark a transaction as fake, but a good analyst will question why and figure out what to do next.
  • For instance, a diagnostic AI may suggest an illness, but a doctor must compare the algorithm’s results with the patient’s history and the situation in which they live.

• Keeps creative – In a society that may become efficient but shallow, it’s what keeps creativity alive with new improvements and progress.
  • When AI takes care of the regular tasks, critical thinking gives back the details, the morals, and the excitement of true invention.
• Making moral choices – Critical thinking makes sure that judgments are in line with human values, not simply how well they work.
  • This is true whether we are trying to figure out what to do after a data breach or how to balance privacy and surveillance in public policy.
• Advancing innovation – Machines can make things better, but only people with inquiry and doubt can challenge the rules themselves.
  • For example, a team that questions its go-to-market assumptions might find whole new groups of customers.
  • A data scientist who looks into the training set of an AI model might be able to find and fix a bias before it goes public. Creativity like this grows amid discomfort, and critical thought is its guide.
• Produce leaders – A critical thinker doesn’t simply learn how to use it, they also study why it important, what dangers it poses, and how it fits into bigger processes.
  • This orientation makes them quick learners, strong leaders, and intelligent team players. It also makes them essential in jobs where nothing is definite.

What lies ahead?

• It’s true that too much automated creativity may be scary. When everything works well, it might lose its depth. But critical thinking brings back the depth, richness, and moral imagination that robots can’t copy.
  • It tells us that progress needs to be both quick and careful.
• In a future where AI comes first, those who can think critically will be in charge.
  • Not because they know the answer, but because they are brave enough to ask the right question.
• For Gen Z and Millennials, critical thinking isn’t just a talent for their resumes, it’s a way to stay alive in their jobs.

Reference

The Hindu| Critical Thinking and AI