How to use ChatGPT without getting dumber

There was a recent study from MIT (2024) that found people who used AI tools like ChatGPT for critical tasks tended to become over-reliant — leading to reduced performance when the AI was wrong or withheld.

In short: the smarter you think the tool is, the less critically you engage with it — unless you're intentional.

Here’s how to get smarter using ChatGPT, without becoming dependent (or dumber):

1. Use it as a thinking partner, not as a replacement

Start by sharing your own thoughts or hypotheses. Then ask ChatGPT to critique, challenge, or expand on them.

This sharpens your reasoning. 

→ “Here’s what I think about X… What are the holes in this argument?”

2. Ask why — and then ask why again

Don’t stop at surface answers. Push for explanations, causal mechanisms, and trade-offs.

This deepens understanding and trains systems thinking. 

→ “Why would that strategy work in a saturated market?” 

→ “And why is that important?”

3. Simulate debates or alternate perspectives

Escape echo chambers. Ask ChatGPT to argue the opposite viewpoint. 

→ “Act like an expert investor” vs. “Act like a risk-averse CFO.” 

You sharpen decision-making by testing ideas in tension.

4. Use retrieval-based learning

After learning something, summarize it back in your own words — and ask ChatGPT to critique or refine your explanation.

This boosts retention and builds clarity.

5. Treat it like a tutor, not a teacher

You're still responsible for comprehension. If the answer comes too easily, push deeper. 

→ “Explain this like I need to teach it to someone else.” 

→ “What’s the core concept here, not just the answer?”

6. Maintain independent judgment

ChatGPT is a tool — not an authority. Pressure-test its ideas. 

→ “What are the risks of just taking this at face value?”  → “What assumptions are baked into this advice?”

Want to learn how I use ChatGPT to boost strategic thinking, creative output, and critical reasoning? Book a session.