rely on GPS have poorer spatial memory and reduced activity in the hippocampus( the brain’ s navigation center) compared to those who navigate on their own. 19
Despite recent studies on AI, we also have more established effects from mass information in social media. These include a reduction in the ability of the population to discriminate between fact and fiction, a reduction in the attention span of the population and an over-reliance on rating systems in lieu of verifying information for oneself. 20
There is a risk to the fabric of industrialized society: If employees stop engaging in complex problem-solving because AI always handles it, their brains may adapt by allocating less capacity to those skills over time.
While AI becomes more powerful and easily handles routine cognitive work, we also must ask,“ What is the need for the cognitive worker?”
For many roles, AI will be able to fulfill their tasks soon. The current zeitgeist of the learning industry is to insist that people will still be needed for problem-solving, critical thinking and decisionmaking. However, we are rapidly approaching a point where a perfect storm exists: AI has rapidly become capable in these areas, and the normal distribution of human capabilities in these areas means that only top performers are capable enough in these areas to warrant gainful employment. There is an imperative on businesses and on society to maintain a focus on human upskilling and reskilling, so we do not lose the cognitive essence of mankind as we surge forth in the AI revolution.
52 Bold ideas to power progress