Will ChatGPT Make Us Stupid? It Depends on How You Use It

In 2008, *The Atlantic* sparked controversy with an article questioning whether Google was making us stupid. Now, generative AI like ChatGPT raises a similar concern: it's not just outsourcing memory, but potentially thinking itself. The author argues that ChatGPT's convenience may come at the cost of critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and deep understanding. The key lies in whether users employ ChatGPT as a replacement for thinking or as a tool to enhance their abilities. The former may lead to cognitive decline, while the latter can foster intellectual growth. The outcome depends on the user, not the tool. In the future, those who collaborate with AI to augment their capabilities will be more competitive.