From Microsoft's paper: "The Impact of Generative AI on Critical Thinking: Self-Reported Reductions in Cognitive Effort and Confidence Effects From a Survey of Knowledge Workers"

Researchers Lee et al. investigated the impact of generative AI on critical thinking among knowledge workers. The study surveyed 319 participants, gathering 936 examples of GenAI use in work tasks. The research found that while GenAI reduces cognitive effort, it can also decrease critical thinking engagement. Higher confidence in GenAI correlated with less critical thinking, while higher self-confidence related to more critical analysis. The study identified shifts in critical thinking, such as moving from information gathering to verification and from task execution to task oversight. The findings suggest the need for GenAI tool designs that support and encourage critical thinking to balance efficiency with maintained cognitive skills and awareness.