The Brian Lehrer Show Overcoming Tech-Induced Laziness
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May 2, 2025 Sam Schechner, a technology reporter at The Wall Street Journal, opens up about feeling less intelligent due to reliance on AI. He highlights the cognitive decline linked to GPS and smartphones, sharing personal anecdotes and listener experiences. The conversation emphasizes the need for mindful technology use to preserve critical thinking and cognitive skills. Schechner also discusses balancing traditional learning methods with AI to enhance educational experiences while avoiding mental stagnation. Engaging activities are recommended for maintaining brain health.
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Sam's AI Writing Experience
- Sam used AI to write an email about a coach missing games, which led to a quick resolution and new coach appointment.
- After relying on AI for French writing and texts, he realized it made him feel mentally lazy and less sharp.
GPS AI and Attention Loss
- GPS routing uses AI and A-B testing to distribute traffic and prevent jams by sending drivers different routes.
- Relying on GPS causes drivers to pay less attention and lose their spatial memory; studying maps improves awareness.
Cognitive Offloading's Hidden Cost
- Human brains strengthen with regular practice and weaken with disuse, a concept called cognitive offloading.
- Using tech to avoid mental effort reduces essential skills like language articulation and reading comprehension.