AI's rise erodes human excellence, risking superficiality

Amidst the fervor of the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution, the world is increasingly prioritizing technology as the primary driver of productivity and economic growth. Organizations are racing to become 'AI-ready,' educational institutions are bolstering digital literacy, and individuals are striving to master new tools for career survival. However, a subtle yet significant shift is occurring: human excellence, particularly the value of 'itqan', meaning thoroughness, mastery, and meticulousness, is slowly eroding.

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But behind this excitement, a subtle shift is occurring that is rarely noticed, which is that the standard of human excellence is slowly declining as the value of itqan is increasingly eroded.

This over-dependence on automation fosters a phenomenon of "cosmetic excellence." The thinking, evaluation, and creative processes are increasingly delegated to algorithms. Consequently, humans risk losing the intellectual touch that stems from dedicated effort and perseverance. While we may appear more productive due to faster output, the quality of thought and originality of ideas are thinning. This change is gradually normalizing through the pervasive use of AI in daily life, assisting with writing, analysis, and report generation at unprecedented speeds.

Data indicates that over 60% of organizations have integrated AI into their operations, with many employees relying on it for daily tasks. AI is no longer just an auxiliary tool; it is shaping human cognition. However, this increased efficiency does not automatically translate to improved quality of thought. Many readily accept AI outputs without critical assessment, leading to excellence being measured by the fluency of the result rather than the depth of the analysis. This creates an illusion of success, where outputs appear perfect, but the underlying intellectual process weakens.

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We appear more productive because we can produce more in a short time, but the quality of thinking and originality of ideas are becoming thinner.

In the professional sphere, reports are completed faster, and presentations are more engaging, yet the content often remains general and lacks deep analysis. Technology boosts productivity but simultaneously diminishes critical thinking capabilities. In education, students can easily obtain instant answers via AI, completing assignments that once required extensive reading and analysis in mere minutes. This ease of access simplifies learning but reduces the practice of profound thinking. Organizations face similar challenges, with performance often measured by output quantity rather than thought quality. The pressure for rapid task completion makes AI a shortcut, thereby weakening the culture of long-term analysis and innovation.

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The result is that excellence is measured by the fluency of the output, not the depth of the analysis.

Therefore, AI must be viewed as a tool that enhances human capabilities, not replaces them. Education needs to emphasize critical thinking, reflection, and deep learning processes. Organizations, in turn, must balance technological integration with the development of intellectual values and originality. The pursuit of 'itqan' remains crucial in an era dominated by rapid technological advancement.

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Technology increases productivity but at the same time reduces the ability to think critically.