Throughout history, every breakthrough in technology has separated people into two distinct groups: the ones who adapt and grow, and the ones who resist or misuse it. Artificial intelligence, perhaps the most transformative innovation of our era, is no exception to this timeless pattern. As Mark Cuban insightfully observed, there are fundamentally two kinds of AI users emerging in our world today—those who harness its power as an engine of learning, exploration, and intellectual growth, and those who adopt it merely as a shortcut to convenience, avoiding effort or curiosity. This distinction, though subtle on the surface, marks a profound divide that will determine who thrives in the next generation of human development.
Those in the first group—learners—approach AI as a partner in discovery rather than a replacement for thought. They understand that the true value of artificial intelligence lies not in outsourcing our abilities, but in amplifying them. When used intentionally, AI becomes a teacher, a mentor, and a translator of complexity. It can help decode data, summarize intricate theories, and offer creative inspiration across disciplines—from science and engineering to philosophy and art. Yet, learners remain active participants in the process; they question its outputs, investigate more deeply, and refine their thinking using what the algorithms reveal. For example, an entrepreneur might use AI to analyze market trends and uncover patterns invisible to the human eye, but the interpretation, strategy, and judgment still rest in their hands. In this dynamic, AI becomes the spark that fuels understanding rather than a tool that extinguishes it.
The second group—the avoiders—take a more passive stance. They use AI not to expand their horizons, but to sidestep challenge or effort. For them, automation replaces inquiry. Instead of prompting exploration, it facilitates intellectual dormancy. The temptation of convenience—instant answers, elegant summaries, prewritten ideas—can lull the mind into a kind of cognitive sleep. While these users may appear productive in the short term, their reliance on automated intelligence erodes the depth and originality of their thinking over time. It is the digital equivalent of choosing prepackaged meals over cooking: efficient, but eventually unsatisfying. The mind, like the body, needs exercise to stay strong. Without active engagement, our intellectual muscles atrophy.
Mark Cuban’s observation goes beyond individual preference—it speaks to a cultural crossroads in our relationship with technology. As AI systems become more capable of performing creative and analytical tasks, society must decide whether we will use them to empower curiosity or to outsource it entirely. The first path leads to a future of enhanced learning, where human insight and machine efficiency combine to push the boundaries of discovery. The second path leads to stagnation, where dependency replaces discipline and innovation fades into mimicry.
Ultimately, each of us must choose what role AI will play in our personal and professional lives. Will it be an accelerator for our growth or a crutch for our complacency? The difference depends not on the sophistication of the technology, but on the intention of the user. Those who integrate AI thoughtfully—as a means of learning more, questioning better, and thinking deeper—will become the architects of the future. Those who use it as an escape from understanding may find themselves left behind in a world that moves faster than their willingness to evolve. The age of intelligent tools is upon us, and the defining question is not whether we will use them, but how wisely we will do so.
Sourse: https://www.businessinsider.com/mark-cuban-two-types-of-people-using-ai-learning-lazy-2026-2
