Human intelligence vs AI: Tech's impact on professional cognition

Neuropsychologist and author Elke Geraerts argues that in a rapidly changing world, human intelligence—not technology—provides the true competitive edge for professionals. She warns that while organisations pour resources into artificial intelligence, they often overlook the development of mental skills needed to evaluate, steer and give meaning to AI outputs, creating a "blind spot".

Recent research highlighted in a Nature Human Behaviour study suggests that digital devices reshape the brain's willingness to invest mental effort rather than causing direct cognitive decline. Continuous exposure to low‑effort interfaces can lead to "cognitive off‑loading," where professionals become primary quality‑control auditors of AI results, potentially weakening their own cognitive abilities.

Both perspectives stress the need for deliberate habits and resistance to digital distractions to preserve deep‑thinking capabilities in knowledge work.