How AI Impacts Human Learning

As a learning scientist, nothing inspires me more than a young learner putting forth the effort and concentration required to master a skill.

At the same time, nothing offends me more than the idea that Artificial Intelligence (AI) should replace human learning.

The ability for human beings to acquire intelligence reflects one of nature’s greatest accomplishments.  We have evolved to learn through our ongoing interactions with our environments.  By repeatedly practicing skills over time, and receiving feedback on that practice, new neural pathways begin to form in the brain.  With enough practice, these pathways eventually become permanent.

With neural permanence comes the ability to perform complicated skills rapidly and effortlessly.  We begin applying these skills in novel ways and under novel conditions.  We remember these skills over long periods of time, even in the absence of regular practice.  The human learning process is one of the great miracles of life.

The rapid takeover by AI has catastrophic implications for human intelligence.  Instantaneous access to information provided by AI does not lead to the mastery of skills or the acquisition of human intelligence.  In fact, mindlessly accessing answers ensures that human beings will not learn and master skills for themselves.  Not only does this kind of instant gratification block the human learning process, it also prevents human learners from developing the kind of work ethic that characterizes top performers.

Research indicates that grit and perseverance are the key indicators for high-level human achievement.  Humans are not born determined.  Humans must learn to push themselves outside their comfort zones, engage in deep concentration, and continue to try in the face of failure.  AI increases the likelihood that humans never learn these skills, which will be a devastating outcome.

Every child has a right to master the skills required for the achievement of greatness.  Human beings have a right to live with purpose, and develop the kind of expertise that will enable them to make a difference in the word.  We cannot allow AI to limit human potential.

Now is the time to resist the technological takeover of humanity.  Turn off your child’s devices.  Block their access to AI services.  Get them learning, practicing, and mastering skills.  Do it now before it’s too late.