We Can't Automate Learning, We Can Only Automate Dependence on AI

· oftwominds-Charles Hugh Smith · Sept. 10, 2026, 10:24 p.m.
Summary
The blog post discusses the limitations of AI in facilitating genuine learning and critical thinking. It argues that while AI can automate certain processes, it ultimately fosters a dependence that detracts from independent thought and deep comprehension. The writer suggests that true learning involves connecting ideas and understanding concepts beyond surface-level knowledge, which AI cannot replicate. The post critiques the notion of AI as a substitute for deep learning, likening it to a form of 'Ultra-Processed Cognition' that diminishes our analytical abilities.
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