Careful — Relying on AI Can Make You Less Smart! Andrew Ng and Other Experts Teach You the Right Way to Use AI

Careful — Relying on AI Can Make You Less Smart! Andrew Ng and Other Experts Teach You the Right Way to Use AI

New Intelligence Report

Editor: Allen

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Introduction

Humanity’s reliance on AI is growing rapidly — but what impact could this dependence have on our brains?

Key questions to consider:

  • How should we use AI tools to minimize negative effects on cognition?
  • What happens if our primary AI model suddenly goes offline?
  • Are we unknowingly developing a constant, heavy dependence on AI in our daily work?
  • Could the human brain fully delegate thinking to AI while focusing only on pleasure?
  • What would society lose if this became the norm?

A recent blog explored these questions in depth, especially in writing and programming, compiling insights from leading voices in the AI field.

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AI in Long-Term Tasks: More Errors Than Expected

AI shines in short-term tasks such as:

  • Text auto-completion
  • Code suggestions

These features boost efficiency and eliminate repetitive drudgery. For example, programming tools like Cursor reduce repetitive coding tasks, freeing developers to focus on architecture and design.

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But caution is needed for long-term or creative work:

  • AI lacks inspiration and intuition.
  • Extended AI-run processes have higher error potential.
  • Over-reliance may erode our own critical thinking skills.

Developer ThePrimeagen stresses: Task length and error tolerance are crucial factors when deciding to use AI.

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As shown in the chart below:

  • Short-term tasks → AI saves time
  • Long-term decision-making → Risk of compounded errors
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Suggested Task Allocation

Refer to the classification chart:

  • Type I tasks: Human-led
  • Type III tasks: AI-assisted
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AI Writing: Lacking Emotion and Depth

Strengths:

  • Fluent, grammatically correct text
  • Clear structure

Limitations:

  • No emotional resonance
  • No life experience or intuitive insight
  • “Smells” like AI-generated text

Human writing draws from unique experiences and conveys raw emotion — something AI cannot replicate. The result: AI-generated text often feels soulless.

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AI as a Distraction and Skill Degrader

How AI reduces independent problem solving:

  • Over-reliance on tools like auto-correction or code suggestions
  • Decline in manual practice and creative struggle
  • Shortcuts replace deep learning

Example from education:

  • AI usage among students is high
  • Handwritten homework is rare
  • Teachers now rely on AI detectors (e.g., GPTZero) to gauge “AIGC rate”
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> GPTZero detects whether text was generated by AI.

The long-term risk: practical skill degradation.

Key point: In programming and writing, hands-on practice and iteration are essential to mastery — “skill through repetition.”

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Expert Perspectives: AI Cannot Replace Independent Thinking

Andrew Ng

  • Programming and core skills will remain important.
  • AI should assist learning, not replace it.
  • Warning: Avoid advice suggesting not to learn programming due to AI automation — this may be one of the worst career tips in history.
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Paul Graham

  • Writing is part of thinking.
  • Letting AI write for you removes opportunities for independent thought.
  • AI standardizes content, unlike unique human expression.
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Nathan Baugh

  • AI-generated content may cause information floods and degrade skill foundations.
  • Outsourcing writing to AI removes personality and uniqueness.
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Ted Gioia

  • AI cannot replace deep thinking or emotional creativity.
  • Volume of output ≠ intellectual or emotional depth.
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Mitchell Hashimoto

  • AI supports innovation but true competitive advantage lies in knowing how to use it effectively — not relying on it blindly.
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Careers and Skills AI Cannot Replace

While AI can assist in repetitive tasks, many professions remain human-driven:

  • Data Engineering: Judgment, domain expertise, and understanding business context
  • Artistic Creation: Emotional articulation and unique conceptual processing

Key takeaway:

Let AI handle boring, low-growth tasks — but retain mental control over strategic and creative thinking.

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> The Matrix — “I think, therefore I am.”

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Reference:

https://www.ssp.sh/brain/will-ai-replace-humans/#ai-slop---companies-not-doing-great

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Balanced AI Use for Creators

Platforms like AiToEarn官网 offer an open-source AI content monetization ecosystem combining:

  • AI generation
  • Multi-platform publishing
  • Analytics
  • Model rankings

Supported platforms include Douyin, Kwai, WeChat, Bilibili, Rednote, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads, YouTube, Pinterest, and X (Twitter).

Docs: AiToEarn文档

Repo: AiToEarn开源地址

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Further Reading:

Read the original article

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Summary:

A mindful approach to AI usage — letting it handle routine work while humans lead in creativity — will help us maintain our thinking ability, learning capacity, and unique voice. As experts remind us, AI is a tool, not a replacement for human intellect.

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