The impact of artificial intelligence on logic skills, critical thinking, and student creativity
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58881/jllscs.v3i3.407Keywords:
Artificial Intelligence (AI), Critical Thinking, technology dependency, higher education, analytical intelligenceAbstract
The primary objective of this study centred on examining the influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on students’ cognitive development and creative capabilities within higher education. More specifically, the research sought to analyse the relationship between AI usage and the development of key cognitive faculties, such as analytical intelligence, logical reasoning, and creative problem-solving among university students. In undertaking this investigation, the researchers adopted a qualitative methodology, engaging primarily with secondary data sources. By systematically reviewing existing literature—from peer-reviewed scientific journals, scholarly articles, and other reputable academic publications—they were able to construct a comprehensive synthesis of current insights into how students are integrating AI tools into their academic routines and how these tools are perceived in the university setting. The findings of the analysis indicate that AI technologies have a significant, and in many cases positive, impact on students’ data analysis abilities and their comprehension of complex academic content. A noteworthy proportion of students reported that AI-based tools enabled them to deconstruct challenging subject matter more efficiently. This utility appeared to translate into noticeable improvements in their analytical intelligence. Furthermore, AI was highlighted as advantageous for synthesizing disparate pieces of information, thereby equipping students to approach and solve intricate academic problems more effectively. Nevertheless, while these technological benefits are substantial, the study drew attention to an important caveat: the tendency toward over-reliance on AI-driven solutions. For a subset of students, the ease and convenience offered by AI led to a diminished practice of independent problem-solving. In their reliance on automated assistance, some students risked neglecting the active engagement necessary for developing robust critical thinking skills and independent intellectual growth. This over-dependence on technological aids may, in the long term, hinder the cultivation of original thoughts and creative approaches essential at the tertiary level of education.
Downloads
References
Afriadi, F., Hidayah, M. F., & Gusmaneli. (2024). Pembelajaran Kolaboratif Dalam Pendidikan Perguruan Tinggi. Jurnal Pendidikan Islam.
Afriadi, M., Hidayah, N., & Gusmaneli, E. (2024). The impact of AI on the development of students' cognitive abilities. Journal of Educational Technology, 16(3), 123-135.
Afriadi, H., Hidayah, N., & Gusmaneli, D. (2024). Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Learning Behavior and Cognitive Skills in Higher Education. Journal of Educational Technology and Innovation, 10(3), 45-59.
Albakry, N. S., Hashim, M. E. A., & Puandi, M. F. (2025). The integration of AI in design thinking for enhancing student creativity and critical thinking in digital media learning. Semarak International Journal of Creative Art and Design, 4(1), 24-37. https://semarakilmu.my/index.php/sijcad/index
Amalia, R., Suhertina, Dahliani, & Asmayana, Y. (2025). Pengaruh penggunaan artificial intelligence (AI) terhadap berfikir kritis mahasiswa. Jurnal Pendidikan Sosial Dan Humaniora, 4(3), 4861–4866. Retrieved from https://publisherqu.com/index.php/pediaqu/article/view/2359
Bai, L., Liu, X., & Su, J. (2023). ChatGPT: The cognitive effects on learning and memory. Brain and Behavior, 13(10). https://doi.org/10.1002/brx2.30
Baez, R., Sanchez, H., Sandeep, N., & Pllana, D. (2025). Creativity and critical thinking in the AI age: A high school perspective. International Journal of Research in Education and Science (IJRES), 11(2), 448-477. https://doi.org/10.46328/ijres.1290
Bankins, S., & Formosa, P. (2023). Artificial Intelligence in Education: Opportunities and Challenges. Springer.
Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77- 101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa
Brown, J. A., & Johnson, M. L. (2020). Artificial intelligence in education: Revolutionizing teaching and learning. Educational Technology Review, 15(2), 45-56.
Brown, L., & Johnson, M. (2020). The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Transforming Education: A Review of Literature. Journal of Educational Research, 112(4), 503-514.
Bryman, A. (2016). Social research methods (5th ed.). Oxford University Press.
Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (4th ed.). Sage Publications.
Darwin, Rusdin, D., Mukminatien, N., Suryati, N., Laksmi, E. D., & Marzuki. (2023). Critical thinking in the AI era: An exploration of EFL students’ perceptions, benefits, and limitations. Cogent Education, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2023.2290342
Dewi, R. S. I., Kusumaningrum, S. R., Pristiani, R., Anggraini, A. E., & Effendi, M. I. (2024). Students’ perception of the artificial intelligence Jenni AI implementation in improving argument writing skills. Indonesian Research Journal in Education |IRJE|, 8(2), 637 –650. https://doi.org/10.22437/irje.v8i2.383531
Du, X., Du, M., Zhou, Z. et al. (2025). Facilitator or hindrance? The impact of AI on university students' higher-order thinking skills in complex problem solving. Int J Educ Technol High Educ 22, 39. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-025-00534-0
EL Hosayny, O., Razkane, H. & Yeou, M. (2025). Extended TAM-based acceptance of AI for supporting critical thinking in academic research: An examination of perceived benefits and challenges. Discov Artif Intell 5, 167. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44163-025-00390-x
Essien, A., Bukoye, O. T., O’Dea, X., & Kremantzis, M. (2024). The influence of AI text generators on critical thinking skills in UK business schools. Studies in Higher Education, 49(5), 865–882. https://doi.org/10.1080/03075079.2024.2316881
Firdaus, M. R., & Irawan, F. (2023). AI-based learning tools: Opportunities and challenges in higher education. Journal of Applied Learning and Teaching, 20(1), 29-40.
Fonkam, M. M., Çela, E., & Potluri, R. M. (2023). Risks of AI-assisted learning on student critical thinking: A case study of Albania. International Journal of Risk and Contingency Management, 12(1), 1- 19. https://doi.org/10.4018/IJRCM.350185
Gerlich, M. (2025). AI Tools in Society: Impacts on Cognitive Offloading and the Future of Critical Thinking. Societies, 15(1), 6. https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15010006
Gonsalves, C. (2024). Generative AI’s Impact on Critical Thinking: Revisiting Bloom’s Taxonomy. Journal of Marketing Education, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1177/02734753241305980
Grant, M. J., & Booth, A. (2009). A typology of reviews: An analysis of 14 review types and associated methodologies. Health Information and Libraries Journal, 26(2), 91-108. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1470-3327.2009.00848.x
Hading, E. F., Rustan, D. R. H. P., & Ruing, F. H. (2024). EFL Students’ Perceptions on the Integration of AI in Fostering Critical Thinking Skills. GLENS: Global English Insights Journal, 2(1), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.61220/glens.v2i1.466
Hasanah, U., & Budiyono, Y. (2024). The dependency on artificial intelligence in education and its effect on student autonomy. Journal of Educational Research, 22(1), 77-85.
Hulmi, ZA., & Apriadi, EA. (2025). Analysis of the Effect of Using Artificial Intelligence on Critical Thinking Power of Students in the Digital Age. International Journal of Technology and Computer Science, 1(1), 38–50. Retrieved from https://journal.uimandiri.ac.id/index.php/ijtcs/article/view/107
Hussain, A., & Khan, R. (2022). AI in higher education: Enhancing learning or hindering cognitive development? Journal of AI in Education, 18(2), 153-162.
Jabli, N. M., Al-Mohaya, A. Y., Abdelmagid, A. S., & Ibrahim, A. M. (2023). Exploring the impact of generative artificial intelligence on enhancing digital design thinking skills and academic creativity among university students. International Journal of Innovation and Research in Social Science, 8(4), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.53894/ijirss.v8i4.8237
Johnson, D., & Kress, G. (2019). The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Critical Thinking and Creativity in Education. Educational Review, 71(1), 34-48.
Johnson, L., & Kress, G. (2019). Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Education: Promises and Challenge.
Johnson, R., & Kress, S. (2019). Critical thinking in the age of artificial intelligence: A study of students' cognitive engagement. Journal of Educational Psychology, 21(3), 110-120.
Johnson, R., & Kress, S. (2019). Critical thinking in the age of artificial intelligence: A study of students' cognitive engagement. Journal of Educational Psychology.
Kurmanbayeva, N., & Bessekeyeva, B. (2025). The Contribution of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Developing Students’ Critical Thinking Skills. Eurasian Science Review An International Peer- Reviewed Multidisciplinary Journal, 2(Special Issue), 2511–2522. https://doi.org/10.63034/esr- 284
Lawasi, Miryam & Rohman, Vina & Shoreamanis, Meicky. (2024). The Use of AI in Improving Student's Critical Thinking Skills. Proceedings Series on Social Sciences & Humanities. 18. 366-370. https://doi.org/10.30595/pssh.v18i.1279
Li, X. (2025). Artificial intelligence in teacher education: Examining critical thinking and creativity through AI usage. Forum for Education Studies, 3(2), 2727. https://doi.org/10.59400/fes2727
Melisa, R., Ashadi, A., Triastuti, A., Hidayati, S., Salido, A., Ero, P. E. L., Marlini, C., Zefrin., & Fuad, Z. A. (2025). Critical Thinking in the Age of AI: A Systematic Review of AI's Effects on Higher Education. Educational Process: International Journal, 14, e2025031. https://doi.org/10.22521/edupij.2025.14.31
Mohamed Y. I. Helal, Ibrahim A. Elgendy, Mousa Ahmed Albashrawi, Yogesh K. Dwivedi, Mohammad S. Al-Ahmadi, Il Jeon. (2025). The impact of generative AI on critical thinking skills: a systematic review, conceptual framework, and future research directions. Information Discovery and Delivery; https://doi.org/10.1108/IDD-05-2025-0125
Nathaniel, J., Oyelere, S. S., Suhonen, J., & Tedre, M. (2025). Investigating the impact of generative AI integration on the sustenance of higher-order thinking skills and understanding of programming logic. Computer Applications in Engineering Education, 33(3), 100460. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.caeai.2025.100460
Pamungkas, A. R. (2017). The role of logic in critical thinking and problem-solving in education. Journal of Educational Theory and Practice, 15(4), 234-240.
Pervaiz, Hira & Ali, Kiran & Razzaq, Sania & Tariq, Maryam. (2025). The Impact of AI on Critical Thinking and Writing Skills in Higher Education. The Critical Review of Social Sciences Studies. 3. 3165- 3176. https://doi.org/10.59075/79fkvy72
Piaget, J. (1976). The Development of Thought: Equilibration of Cognitive Structures. Viking Press.
Putri, A., & Andjani, W. (2023). AI-powered platforms and their impact on students' data analysis skills. Journal of Educational Research and Innovation, 14(2), 78-85.
Putri, A., & Andjani, W. (2023). AI-powered platforms and their impact on students' data analysis skills. Journal of Educational Research and Innovation, 14(2), 78-85
Salido, A., Syarif, I., Sitepu, M. S., Suparjan, Wana, P. R., Taufika, R., & Melisa, R. (2025). Integrating critical thinking and artificial intelligence in higher education: A bibliometric and systematic review of skills and strategies. SSAHO, 10.1016/j.ssaho.2025.101924. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2025.101924
Sharma, R., et al. (2025). The influence of artificial intelligence on students’ creativity: Perspectives and perceptions. Journal of Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Intelligence Research, 2(1), 14. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.54364/JAIAI.2024.1114
Sweller, J. (1988). Cognitive Load During Problem Solving: Effects on Learning. Cognitive Science, 12(2), 257-285.
Szmyd, K., & Mitera, E. (2024). The impact of artificial intelligence on the development of critical thinking skills in students. European Research Studies Journal, 27(2), 1022-1039. https://doi.org/10.35808/ersj/3876
Thornhill-Miller, B., Camarda, A., Mercier, M., Burkhardt, J. M., Morisseau, T., Bourgeois-Bougrine, S., Vinchon, F., El Hayek, S., Augereau-Landais, M., Mourey, F., Feybesse, C., Sundquist, D., & Lubart, T. (2023). Creativity, Critical Thinking, Communication, and Collaboration: Assessment, Certification, and Promotion of 21st Century Skills for the Future of Work and Education. Journal of Intelligence, 11(3), 54. https://doi.org/10.3390/jintelligence11030054
Trisnawati, W., Putra, R. E., & Balti, L. (2023). The Impact of Artificial Intelligent in Education toward 21st Century Skills: A Literature Review. PPSDP International Journal of Education, 2(2), 501–513. https://doi.org/10.59175/pijed.v2i2.152
Vieriu, A. M., & Petrea, G. (2025). The Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on Students’ Academic Development. Education Sciences, 15(3), 343. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15030343
Vygotsky, L. (1978). Mind in Society: The Development of Higher Psychological Processes. Harvard University Press.
Wang, J., Fan, W. (2025). The effect of ChatGPT on students’ learning performance, learning perception, and higher-order thinking: insights from a meta-analysis. Humanit Soc Sci Commun 12, 621. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-025-04787- y
Zhai, C., Wibowo, S. & Li, L.D. (2024). The effects of over-reliance on AI dialogue systems on students' cognitive abilities: a systematic review. Smart Learn. Environ. 11, 28. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40561-024-00316-7
Downloads
Additional Files
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Agnes Febriyanti Suryanto, Majid Wajdi, Prakash Kumar Sahoo, QingHao Wu, Norhayati Mohd Yusof, Yuen Fook Chan
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
