Brazil is one of the countries most engaged in the use of artificial intelligence, frequently resorting to tools such as text and image assistants, applied both in problem-solving and everyday decision-making. According to a Bain & Company survey, 60% of Brazilians have already had contact with GenAI, and 80% of them use the technology for personal purposes, with 57% resorting to it daily, averaging 30 minutes per day. This scenario highlights a profound paradox: hyperconnectivity, while positive in reflecting rapid adaptation to new technologies, raises an alert for potential dependence on these tools, as well as the cognitive impact on professionals.
A study published in Societies points out that dependence on AI can weaken critical thinking, as frequent users tend to transfer mental tasks to technology instead of engaging in their own analyses. Another survey by Conversion reinforces this scenario by showing that 62% of users trust AI-generated answers very much or completely. Add to this the relentless pursuit of efficiency and speed in project delivery, which has made the use of AI an almost mandatory asset. The tipping point, according to a survey by the METR group, is the realization that in some cases, the use of technology can delay deliveries by experts. A test with experienced developers performing tasks in open-source projects showed a 19% increase in completion time when supported by AI.
For Emanuela Ramos, Chief of Growth at Nava, the recommendation is clear: AI should be an ally, not a substitute. This means adopting the technology without disregarding moments for reflection, reading, idea exchange, and exercises for the mind without digital shortcuts. Connecting experiences, intuition, and human knowledge remains the foundation for innovation, creativity, and even cognitive health. Check out the expert’s tips for professionals below.
1- Set usage limits. This means using AI as a support tool for specific activities, such as organizing information, generating drafts, or speeding up operational tasks. However, preserve steps that require analysis, critical judgment, and independent reasoning, ensuring decisions do not become entirely dependent on technology.
2- Exercise critical thinking! Do not accept ready-made answers without questioning. Verify the information received, compare different sources, and complement the content with your professional experience and practical knowledge. This approach strengthens your intellectual autonomy and avoids superficial interpretations.
3- Value human exchanges and maintain spaces for dialogue with colleagues, mentors, study groups, and in-person networking. These interactions are essential to stimulate creativity, broaden perspectives, develop socio-emotional skills, and make connections that technology alone cannot provide.
“If, at every moment, we delegate our decisions and analyses to artificial intelligence, what will become of our critical sense and reasoning ability over time? Behaviors like these carry the risk of making us hostages to it,” says Emanuela. “For people to continue being recognized as skilled professionals and maintain intellectual autonomy, it is necessary to develop a relationship without codependency with technology.”
