We've Had This Conversation Before

AI and the Evolution of Distributed Cognition

Over the last week or two, I must have seen three dozen articles debating the potential intellectual downside of AI. This recurring theme—that new technology will make us dumber—isn’t unique to AI. I myself added to the discourse back in May; you can read that here if you want to see how much better at writing I am now.

When I see a discussion that everyone is already having, I don’t usually feel motivated to participate by adding yet another persuasive piece onto the pile. In this case, however, I think I can contribute something meaningful to the conversation.

Every significant technological innovation has spurred fears and criticisms alongside the excitement and promise it carries. We worried digital calculators would dull our mathematical skills, personal computers would stifle our creativity, and the internet would shallow our thinking. Yet, each time, we’ve adapted, evolved, and often found that these tools, when used appropriately, expand our cognitive horizons rather than const…