Influence of Artificial Intelligence Overdependence on Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills among University Students in Abia State, Nigeria

This study examined the influence of overdependence on artificial intelligence (AI) on critical thinking and problem-solving skills among university students in Abia State. The study adopted an ex post facto research design. The population comprised 14,649 undergraduate students in Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, and Abia State University, Uturu, from which a sample of 389 students was selected. Data were collected using the Artificial Intelligence Overdependence, Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills Questionnaire with a Cronbach alpha reliability coefficient of 0.78. Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of variance, with Pillai’s Trace used to test the multivariate effects. The findings showed significant differences in critical thinking and problem-solving skills of students with low, moderate and high levels of reliance on AI for answers without independent reasoning, acceptance of AI-generated responses without verification, and delegation of academic problem-solving tasks to AI. In each case, students with low levels of AI overdependence recorded higher critical thinking and problem-solving skills than those with moderate and high levels. The study concludes that excessive reliance on AI may be associated with reduced opportunities for students to engage independently in critical thinking and problem-solving. It recommends that universities promote responsible AI use by encouraging independent reasoning, verification of AI-generated information, and the use of AI as a supportive rather than substitutive learning tool.