The rapid integration of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) into the workflows of knowledge workers raises questions about its impact on critical thinking skills and practices. A recent study by Lee et al. (2025) investigates how and when knowledge workers perceive critical thinking while using GenAI and to what extent GenAI affects their cognitive effort. The findings offer valuable insights into the evolving nature of critical thinking in the AI era and open new perspectives for designing future GenAI tools.

Study Background

The authors define Generative AI as end-user tools based on deep learning generative models. Throughout history, technological advancements—from writing to the printing press and the internet—have sparked debates about their effects on human cognition. With GenAI, the question arises again: does it enhance or diminish critical thinking?

Methodology

The study surveyed 319 knowledge workers, collecting 936 personal examples of GenAI use in work-related tasks. The research aimed to analyze:

1. When and how participants perceive critical thinking while using GenAI.
2. Why and to what extent GenAI influences their cognitive effort.

The analysis considered both task-specific and user-specific factors, particularly users‘ confidence in specific tasks and their trust in GenAI.

Key Findings

• Trust and Critical Thinking: Higher trust in GenAI correlates with reduced engagement in critical thinking, whereas greater self-confidence in task expertise leads to more active critical thinking.
• Shifts in Critical Thinking Processes: GenAI alters the focus of critical thinking toward:
  • Information Verification: Checking the accuracy and reliability of GenAI-generated content.
  • Integration Management: Adapting GenAI responses to fit existing work contexts.
  • Task Monitoring: Supervising and refining tasks in collaboration with GenAI.

Implications for GenAI Tool Design

The study highlights several challenges and opportunities for improving GenAI tools:

• Raising Awareness: Users should understand the potential impact of GenAI on their thinking processes.
• Encouraging Engagement: GenAI tools could be designed to prompt users to think critically, for example, by posing reflective questions.
• Developing Skills: Features that help users train and enhance their critical thinking abilities should be integrated into AI-assisted workflows.

Conclusion

Lee et al. (2025) provide valuable insights into the interaction between Generative AI and critical thinking among knowledge workers. While GenAI has the potential to ease cognitive processes, there is a risk of reduced critical thinking when users place excessive trust in the technology. A mindful and reflective approach to integrating GenAI into workflows is essential to ensure both efficiency and the quality of thought.

Source: Lee, H.-P., Sarkar, A., Tankelevitch, L., Drosos, I., Rintel, S., Banks, R., & Wilson, N. (2025). The Impact of Generative AI on Critical Thinking: Self-Reported Reductions in Cognitive Effort and Confidence Effects From a Survey of Knowledge Workers. In CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI ’25), April 26–May 01, 2025, Yokohama, Japan. ACM, New York, NY, USA, 23 pages.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/uploads/prod/2025/01/lee_2025_ai_critical_thinking_survey.pdf