Quoting Bruce Schneier
Bruce Schneier argues AI use for learning tasks causes critical thinking skill atrophy
“The writing assignments I give my students are gym tasks, not work tasks. I ask them to write policy memos not because the world needs more policy memos. I assign them because the very act of writing, which includes thinking and outlining and drafting and editing, making and criticizing and revising arguments, will help develop the critical thinking skills they will need in their future careers. And without this constant mental exercise, those skills will atrophy.”
Security expert Bruce Schneier distinguishes between 'gym tasks' (where the struggle builds skill) and 'work tasks' (where output is the goal), arguing students should not use AI for the former. He notes employers are already observing declining critical thinking skills among new graduates. The framing offers a practical decision heuristic for AI use that has broad applicability beyond education.