Note from Joost about AI Co-Creation:
This article was created in dialogue with my co-creative AI sparring partner. It started with my personal reflections from the week. The AI helped identify a relevant theme, asked targeted questions to deepen the insights, and then drafted this piece using my input and answers.
While the AI structured and drafted the text based on our interaction, the core ideas, experiences, and insights are mine. I've edited the result carefully to ensure it accurately reflects my voice, perspective, and intent, turning raw reflection into a shareable 'field note'.
My aim remains to foster an environment where we can learn together, and to embrace curiosity about these new ways of working and the insights they can help surface.
Desirable difficulties in the age of AI: how to keep your brain sharp
In our modern world, artificial intelligence (AI) offers us unprecedented convenience. From smartphones planning our lives to recommendation systems suggesting things we might enjoy – it feels like everything is becoming simpler. But what does this increasing convenience mean for our brains and our cognitive abilities?
While it might be tempting to hand over every task to AI, there's a risk that we might lose our cognitive sharpness as a result. To prevent this, we can apply the concept of desirable difficulties.
What are desirable difficulties?
Desirable difficulties are intentional challenges that make the learning process harder but ultimately lead to deeper and more lasting understanding. Think about the moments when you try to recall a name without using Google. Such moments stimulate neuroplasticity: the brain's ability to form new connections and adapt (Bjork, 1994). By facing these challenges, we keep our cognitive skills sharp and develop a more robust memory.
The challenge of AI: cognitive laziness
With the rise of AI, the question arises: are we becoming cognitively lazy? AI takes over many tasks – from navigation and planning to remembering simple facts. This can make us dependent and keep our brains less active. Think about the last time you had to go somewhere without navigation. It was a challenge, right? Research suggests that continually using AI can weaken our spatial awareness and problem-solving capabilities (Barr, Pennycook, Stolz, & Fugelsang, 2015).
But let's not forget that AI also offers many benefits. The key lies in how we use AI.
Using AI wisely: finding the right balance
AI can support us in creating desirable difficulties rather than completely removing them. Here are some strategies to use AI positively:
- Use AI as an assistant, not a solution: Let AI handle routine tasks like scheduling and reminders, but take the time to tackle complex problems and planning yourself.
- Use AI tools for interleaving: Use apps like Anki for spaced learning and self-testing. These tools make learning more efficient, but keep you actively engaged (Butler & Roediger, 2007).
- Integrate learning and thinking games: Take advantage of AI-powered brain training programs designed to challenge your cognitive skills (Hardy et al., 2011).
- Navigate with and without GPS: Use your GPS to reach your destination, but then try to repeat the route manually to improve your spatial awareness (Likovski, Reinders, Greenlee, & Wolbers, 2014).
- Use educational AI platforms: Platforms like Khan Academy and Coursera offer tailored learning opportunities that match your current knowledge level and gradually increase in difficulty (Bransford, Brown, & Cocking, 2000).
Writing this article: a metaphor for desirable difficulties
Writing this article in collaboration with an AI assistant, in this case, ChatGPT-4, is an excellent example of desirable difficulties in action. By working with the AI assistant, I asked questions, explored different ideas, and reformulated concepts. This cooperative process challenged me to think deeper, critically evaluate information, and communicate effectively.
The AI offered unprecedented opportunities to broaden and deepen my knowledge on a subject. Within an hour, I had a first draft of this article, complete with relevant studies – something I couldn't have imagined during my study years (2010 - 2016). While ChatGPT provided suggestions and additions, I remained actively involved at each step. This approach not only strengthened my understanding of the topic but also developed my cognitive skills. Making connections and thinking critically are skills that might also develop through a less interactive approach, but to a lesser extent. The vast amount of knowledge that AI offers makes this process exceptionally effective.
Embrace the challenge
While AI is a valuable ally in our daily lives, it is crucial to consciously choose which tasks we outsource. By actively seeking out desirable difficulties and using AI strategically, we can unite the convenience of technology with the benefits of an active, learning brain.
With this approach, you not only stay cognitively sharp but also create a balanced relationship with technology, maximizing the benefits of both AI and your own brain.
Your action
What can you do to keep your brain sharp in this age of AI? Try applying one of the strategies mentioned above in your daily life. Challenge yourself, use AI wisely, and keep learning. You will be amazed at the positive impact on your cognitive abilities and overall well-being.
References:
- Barr, N., Pennycook, G., Stolz, J. A., & Fugelsang, J. A. (2015). The brain in your pocket: Evidence that smartphones are used to supplant thinking. Computers in Human Behavior, 48, 473-480.
- Bjork, R. A. (1994). Memory and metamemory considerations in the training of human beings. In J. Metcalfe & A. P. Shimamura (Eds.), Metacognition: Knowing about Knowing (pp. 185-205). Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.
- Bransford, J. D., Brown, A. L., & Cocking, R. R. (Eds.). (2000). How people learn: Brain, mind, experience, and school. Washington, DC: National Academy Press.
- Butler, A. C., & Roediger III, H. L. (2007). Testing improves long-term retention in a simulated classroom setting. Educational Psychology Review, 19(3), 247-289.
- Carr, N. (2010). The Shallows: What the Internet is Doing to Our Brains. New York, NY: W.W. Norton & Company.
- Ericsson, K. A., Krampe, R. T., & Tesch-Römer, C. (1993). The role of deliberate practice in the acquisition of expert performance. Psychological Review, 100(3), 363-406.
- Hardy, J. L., Drescher, D., Sarkar, K., Scanlon, M., & Granot, D. (2011, July). Enhancing visual attention and working memory with a web-based cognitive training program. Paper presented at the Cognitive Science Society Annual Meeting, Boston, MA.
- Jaeggi, S. M., Buschkuehl, M., Jonides, J., & Shah, P. (2008). Improved fluid intelligence with training on working memory. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 105(19), 6829-6833.
- Kleim, J. A., & Jones, T. A. (2008). Principles of experience-dependent neural plasticity: Implications for rehabilitation after brain damage. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 51(1), S225-S239.
- Likovski, S., Reinders, N., Greenlee, M. W., & Wolbers, T. (2014). Navigation without GPS: Enhancing your wayfinding skills. Brain and Cognition, 88, 1-13.
- Roediger, H. L., & Butler, A. C. (2011). The critical role of retrieval practice in long-term retention. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 15(1), 20-27.