Artificial intelligence tools such as chatbots and generative AI platforms are increasingly becoming part of everyday business operations.
From drafting emails to analysing complex data, these tools are being used across industries. However, a new study suggests that the influence of AI may be going far beyond simple assistance. According to research conducted by market research agency 3-Gem, a growing number of business leaders in the United Kingdom are relying on AI not just for insights but also for critical decision-making. The survey, which included 200 business owners, founders, CEOs, and senior executives, found that 62 percent of leaders now use AI tools for most of their decision-making processes. For many executives, AI has effectively become a digital advisor.
When AI’s advice challenges human judgment The study also highlights a psychological shift in how leaders perceive their own judgment compared to machine recommendations. Among those surveyed, 140 respondents admitted that when their ideas conflict with AI’s suggestions, they begin to question their own thinking.
Instead of defending their reasoning, many executives reconsider their decisions after seeing AI-generated recommendations. Even more striking, 46 percent of respondents said they now trust AI advice more than the opinions of their business colleagues. This indicates that AI is increasingly being viewed not just as a tool, but as a trusted authority in professional environments. A previous report from last year revealed another concerning trend: 64 percent of business leaders said they consult AI even for sensitive decisions such as employee termination.
In the more recent 2025 survey by 3-Gem, the number has dropped but remains notable, with 27 percent still relying on AI for such decisions.
Experts warn against over-reliance on AI While AI can improve productivity and efficiency, experts caution that excessive dependence on these systems could weaken human cognitive abilities. A study conducted by researchers from Carnegie Mellon University and Microsoft found that heavy reliance on AI may gradually reduce people’s ability to think critically and independently. Researchers say that when individuals believe a machine can perform a task better, the brain tends to disengage from the effort required to solve the problem itself.
Experts often compare this phenomenon to the behaviour seen in drivers using autonomous vehicles. When the car handles most driving tasks, drivers may stop paying close attention to the road, relying entirely on the system instead.
Also read: Your next smartphone could cost more but offer less RAM: What is the ‘AI Tax,’ a new tech buzzword behind the memory chip shortage
Concerns about impact on children and young minds Beyond business settings, experts are also raising concerns about how AI tools might affect children and young learners. Danish psychiatrist Søren Stergaard has warned that excessive dependence on AI could lead to what he describes as “cognitive debt.” This refers to a situation where people avoid using their own intellectual effort because a machine is doing the work for them. Stergaard has also used the term “AI psychosis” to describe a scenario in which individuals gradually lose their ability to reason independently due to constant reliance on artificial systems. The concern is particularly serious for children, whose brains are still developing and rely heavily on active learning and problem-solving. Research suggests AI could affect critical thinking
Research from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has also explored how AI tools may influence cognitive behaviour. According to one study, people who relied heavily on AI tools showed significantly lower brain activity compared to those who used traditional internet searches, such as Google, to find answers. Researchers suggest that while AI can simplify tasks, it may also reduce the mental effort required to analyse information and form independent conclusions. Author and researcher Natalia Kosmina has warned that this trend could be particularly harmful for young people. If students rely too heavily on AI-generated answers, it could weaken their ability to learn, analyse information, and develop long-term critical thinking skills.
Also read: What makes Apple one of the most successful tech giants?
Balance between AI assistance and human judgment AI tools are rapidly becoming part of everyday life, from classrooms and offices to creative industries. Many experts agree that AI can significantly improve productivity and support better decision-making when used responsibly. However, the growing reliance on AI also raises an important question: should AI assist human thinking, or replace it? Researchers say the key lies in maintaining a balance.
