Empowering Minds: Transformative Effects of AI on Students' Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills

Abstract

Aim of the study: This study aimed to investigate the impact of the use of AI tools on academic engagement and critical thinking among university students in Karachi. Methodology: The study used a preliminary exploratory mixed-methods design with a sample of 165 bachelor’s students, selected through equal stratified randomization from seven public universities on University Road, Karachi, Pakistan. The study used a self-administered questionnaire with 36 closed-ended and 3 open-ended questions to collect data. The tool showed strong overall reliability, as indicated by Cronbach’s alpha (α = 0.753). Findings: Results revealed a significant but negative relationship between AI use and academic engagement (r = -.402), and regression analysis demonstrated that AI use was associated with a 91.7% decrease in critical thinking (R² = .917, β = -.958). Moreover, academic engagement and critical thinking were positively related (r = .369). Thematic analysis identified three themes: academic use of AI, benefits of AI, and challenges of AI, which fully corroborated the quantitative findings. Conclusion: The study concludes that uncontrolled reliance on AI significantly weakens students’ critical thinking and academic engagement; however, AI can be helpful and efficient for academic tasks, and excessive reliance on it could hinder the development of vital cognitive skills. The study suggests promoting balanced AI use, integrating research and inquiry into academic practice, and raising awareness of AI ethics education. Besides, there is an urgent need to make AI literacy obligatory in Pakistani university curricula and to provide formal training in the ethical use of AI to all faculty and students.