So, how do you enjoy the benefits of AI without sacrificing your thinking skills for convenience? Here are a few guidelines:

Do the work first, then get help. If you’re writing something, research it yourself before calling in AI to dig deeper. Think of AI as a research assistant, not as a brain replacement. And for the love of everything sacred, actually read what you find. Understanding needs your full attention, not just skimming.

Question everything. Don’t take AI’s responses at face value just because they look good and sound confident. Scrutinize them. Interrogate. Trust your own judgment. Remember, AI can sound very convincing about things it gets completely wrong, much like that one uncle at family gatherings.

Remember who’s responsible. You are not the AI. When you submit that report, take that exam, or make that decision, you’re the one in charge. Your brain has developed over the years to handle these situations. It learned from your mistakes, your experiences, and your small victories. Don’t let AI take away the one skill that is truly yours.