Why critical thinking skills matter more than ever

There’s a lot that AI can do better than humans — for example, it can process data at trillions of bits per second compared to a human brain’s estimated capacity of 10 bits per second.

But AI simply cannot replace human intelligence when it comes to true contemplation — applying broader contextual and cultural understanding, emotional sensitivity, ethical reasoning, and thoughtful judgement to the information presented.

That’s where critical thinking skills come in. In the age of AI, your ability to question, evaluate, and think for yourself to arrive at sound, thoughtful decisions will be more important than ever.

The importance of critical thinking

The World Economic Forum consistently lists critical thinking (and related skills like reasoning and problem-solving) in their “Top Ten Skills for the Future.”

Despite its name, critical thinking isn’t about being negative or critical of everything. It’s about thinking carefully and objectively and having an open, inquisitive mind. It means arriving at your own informed, well-reasoned decisions.

The act of critical thinking combines skills like:

• Evaluation, analysis, and judgement
• Knowledge of fallacies, cognitive biases, and logic
• Attitudes such as curiosity, humility, and courage

Critical thinking involves questioning the validity of information, connecting the dots to form bigger ideas, and examining our own beliefs, values, and decision-making patterns. Critical thinking allows us to reflect, rethink, unlearn, see new perspectives, and form new ideas.

How to improve your critical thinking skills

While we all have the ability to think critically, many of us may have gotten a little rusty. According to research by Kings College London, 49% of people report feeling their ability to think deeply has decreased in recent years. And, a recent survey showed that Americans, on average, check their phones 205 times per day, fragmenting our attention and clouding clarity of thought.

To enhance your own critical thinking skills, try these exercises:

• Practice deeper thinking – Step away from your day-to-day responsibilities (and technology) and make time to slow down and think bigger picture. Taking a walk in nature or participating in another peaceful activity can help you do this.
• Keep learning – Don’t assume you can rely on AI for all the answers. Challenge yourself to keep developing your own knowledge the old-fashioned way — through real-world experiences like reading, going to lectures, taking classes, engaging in hands-on projects, etc.
• Shift perspectives – There’s usually more than one side to a story. Consider situations from many different points of view. Ask a variety of people how they see things and really listen to them without judging or trying to change their minds. Rather, be open to changing your own mind.
• Ask questions – One of the most valuable human skills in an AI-driven environment is curiosity, according to Goldman Sachs chief information officer Marco Argenti. Ask “why” and “what if” questions. Propose new ideas. Get creative about how you use AI. Try different approaches to a problem or task and see what happens.
• Scrutinize information – Thoroughly evaluate AI output with a healthy dose of skepticism and validate it with your own sources. AI results can sound authoritative (and look real), so it’s easy to assume they are correct. But that’s not always the case. In addition to verifying accuracy, questioning AI output prevents cognitive laziness from setting in. Ask questions like, “How was this conclusion arrived at?” “Where did this information come from?” and “Does it make sense?”
• Question your own assumptions – Everyone has their own deep-rooted beliefs and subconscious biases, so it’s important to recognize them and consider how they might be affecting your thinking.
• Be willing to fail – AI isn’t always right — and neither are humans. But avoiding decisions for fear of failure won’t solve anything. Learn from real-life experience and build on your new knowledge.
• Reflect – Before moving on, reflect on an experience (whether it’s an AI project or something else entirely). Was the outcome what you expected or hoped for? How could it have been better? How might you have approached things differently?

Remember who’s in charge

Humans can outsource tasks, but not accountability. Ultimately, we’re responsible for our own decisions, whether AI-supported or not. Remembering who’s in charge can help prompt the careful thinking necessary to thrive in the AI age.