Does AI Make Us Smarter or Dumber?

The answer to this question is not straightforward—it depends on how we use AI. About three years ago, when I started learning to code, AI was not as powerful as it is today. Nobody actually used AI tools for coding assistance. To find answers and fix conflicts, we had to search through Stack Overflow and other websites, digging through multiple discussions until we finally found the right solution.

This process, while time-consuming, helped us learn a lot. However, it also meant we wasted a significant amount of time searching for solutions.

Now, AI chatbots like ChatGPT, DeepSeek, Gemini, and others provide immediate answers. With just a simple question, they generate a direct solution, saving us time and effort.

The Problem: Over-Reliance on AI

The problem is that most people don’t read the explanations that AI provides. Instead, they immediately copy and paste the code without understanding how it works. This makes them less capable because if the code doesn’t work, they don’t know why. Even if it does work, they still don’t understand the logic behind it. This dependency reduces their problem-solving skills and ability to think critically.

The Solution: Using AI the Right Way

AI is a tool, not a replacement for learning. To truly benefit from it, here are some steps to follow:

1. Read the Explanation – Before using AI-generated code, take time to read the explanation. Try to understand the logic and reasoning behind the solution.
2. Modify the Code – Instead of directly copying and pasting, modify the code and experiment with it. This helps reinforce your understanding.
3. Debug Without AI First – If something goes wrong, try to debug it yourself before asking AI. This strengthens problem-solving skills.
4. Compare with Other Sources – Cross-check AI’s answers with other resources like official documentation or community discussions.
5. Use AI as a Mentor, Not a Crutch – AI should be a guide that helps you learn, not a shortcut that skips the learning process.

Conclusion

AI has the potential to make us smarter or dumber—it all depends on how we use it. If we use AI as a learning tool, it can accelerate our growth. But if we blindly rely on it without understanding, it can weaken our critical thinking. The key is balance: use AI to learn, not just to get instant results.