The CEO of DeepMind has offered a thought-provoking perspective on the dual nature of artificial intelligence, describing it as both a pathway to intellectual brilliance and a potential danger to our ability to think critically. In his view, AI holds unprecedented power to amplify human intelligence and creativity, yet it can also lead to cognitive stagnation if individuals and organizations become overly dependent on it. Much like the transformative rise of the internet decades ago, this new technological era brings opportunities to expand global understanding—while simultaneously presenting risks that could dull curiosity and independent reasoning if used passively.
The underlying message is not one of fear, but of responsibility. AI, in and of itself, is neutral: it can act as either an empowering mentor or a deceptive crutch, depending entirely on our engagement with it. For instance, when students rely on generative algorithms solely to produce answers rather than to explore solutions, their analytical abilities may weaken. Conversely, when professionals, educators, or innovators leverage AI as an intellectual collaborator—one that challenges assumptions, sparks creative inquiry, and provides access to knowledge at an unprecedented scale—the technology becomes a catalyst for deepened insight rather than diminished thought.
This balance mirrors the broader challenges leaders face in the digital age: ensuring that technological progress uplifts human potential rather than undermines it. The CEO emphasizes that the ethical and intellectual outcomes of AI adoption rest in the habits we cultivate around its use. Cultivating curiosity, continuous learning, and critical reflection are essential to transforming AI from a mere convenience into a tool that truly extends the frontiers of human cognition. Whether in corporate strategy, education, or personal development, the guiding principle remains the same—AI should serve as an instrument that expands the mind, not one that replaces it.
Sourse: https://www.businessinsider.com/deepmind-ceo-demis-hassabis-ai-lazy-way-hurts-thinking-skills-2026-2
