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Observer
07-05-2025
- Science
- Observer
When AI dominates, do minds fade?
During my second reading of the influential book Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies, which explores the accelerating rise of artificial intelligence and the alarming possibilities of achieving superior synthetic cognition, I found myself reflecting on a more profound concern: not the ascent of machines, but the potential decline of human intelligence itself. As algorithms increasingly integrate into every dimension of life - including, soon, our biological systems - the question of the future of human cognition becomes not only philosophical but existential. While technological advancement is often praised for enhancing productivity and improving quality of life, there is growing unease that excessive reliance on AI systems may lead to a gradual deterioration in human intellectual capacity. This is not merely about the erosion of practical skills, but about the very architecture of intelligence itself. A 2023 report by the World Economic Forum projected that AI will directly impact around 83 million jobs by 2025, with algorithms replacing many roles once carried out by humans. Though this shift is often justified by gains in efficiency and reductions in error, a pressing question emerges: will this transformation result in the atrophy of human intellect due to increasing reliance on digital systems? To address this question objectively, we turn to a 2025 study published in 'Societies', which found that prolonged use of AI tools - particularly generative AI models that now rival traditional search engines - correlates with a measurable decline in memory and critical thinking skills. Those who regularly rely on digital tools for quick problem-solving, the study noted, tend to demonstrate diminished creativity and struggle with complex decision-making. This cognitive decline appears most pronounced in educational contexts. While AI-powered personalised learning platforms have been lauded for tailoring education to individual needs - something I've previously affirmed in academic articles - there's a darker undercurrent. Over time, this ease of access and consumption may produce addiction-like effects that dull the brain's analytical and reflective capabilities. Learning without effort, the study suggests, undermines the very mental muscles needed for critical and independent thinking. A 2024 report from the UK Parliament reinforces this concern. It found that students who depend heavily on AI tools for research and writing assignments exhibit lower levels of logical reasoning and idea generation compared to peers who employ traditional study methods. The researchers recommend striking a balance between leveraging advanced technologies and cultivating independent cognitive skills. The issue is not confined to educational outcomes; deeper consequences loom on the horizon. There is growing unease that excessive reliance on AI may lead to a gradual deterioration in human intellectual capacity. A 2023 study in 'Frontiers' warns that excessive dependence on AI may cause long-term changes in brain structure, particularly in areas responsible for memory and spatial reasoning. Reduced cognitive engagement can also impair the development of neural networks critical for innovation and analytical thought. From a genetic perspective, emerging hypotheses - though not yet definitive - suggest that prolonged mental inactivity could influence gene expression in neurons, ultimately impairing adaptability and mental growth across generations. These concerns are not alarmist exaggerations but existential challenges that demand urgent reassessment of our relationship with technology. To protect the integrity of human cognition, we must redesign our educational systems and daily habits in ways that uphold mental resilience. Among the actionable steps is a shift towards interactive and creative education models, those that stimulate critical thinking, encourage debate and maintain space for organic human engagement. Moderate, intentional use of AI must be emphasised, with conscious limits on digital immersion and reinforcement of non-digital experiences. I have personally experimented with hybrid teaching methods in university settings - integrating technology while preserving active discussion and inquiry - and witnessed clear improvements in student creativity and engagement. As I also discussed in my book Thus We Evolve - Arabic version, the development of a human being is rooted not only in cognition but in moral, linguistic and logical dimensions. Humanity is inherently ethical, rational and expressive, but these innate faculties require nurturing. Overuse of AI, if unchecked, risks stunting the emergence of these traits over time. Therefore, we must invest in revitalising moral education - especially in the face of globalised digital values - while strengthening language, communication and logical reasoning in an age increasingly shaped by the cold rationality of algorithms. To conclude, the challenge we face is not merely technological, but civilisational. Between the hammer of advancing AI and the anvil of intellectual complacency, we are forging the future of the human mind. We must ensure that what emerges is not an echo of machines, but a revitalised humanity worthy of the tools it has created.
Globe and Mail
15-04-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
SC Coaching Asia Launches RISE Career Framework to Help Mid-Career Professionals Overcome Career Stagnation
A transformative career coaching program designed to help you find Purpose, Passion, and Power to overcome career stagnation, burnout, and uncertainty Singapore - April 15, 2025 - With economic shifts and evolving job market demands, professionals seeking career transitions face increasing uncertainty. To address this, Sam Chia, a Harvard High Potentials Leadership Program graduate, leadership coach, and executive coach, has launched RISE (Reimagine, Invest, Strategies, Execution). This strategic career transition program will empower mid-career professionals and executives with the skills to face change with confidence, clarity, and purpose. Backed by decades of business leadership and entrepreneurial success, Chia devised RISE as a systematic career acceleration approach for professionals to match their next career step with their values, abilities, and long-term vision. With increasing career dissatisfaction and burnout, this program provides a practical framework for career growth amidst rapid workforce evolution. According to a 2023 LinkedIn survey, 59% of workers are looking to change careers because they have limited opportunities for growth in their present jobs. At the same time, a 2023 Gallup report indicated that 76% of workers suffer from burnout, with workload and lack of support as primary causes. Furthermore, a 2023 Deloitte survey emphasized that 49% of Gen Z and 44% of Millennials intend to quit their jobs within two years because they feel misaligned with their values. Such evidence points toward the increasing requirement for career coaching to offer clarity, direction, and long-term professional satisfaction. "Mid-career professionals often feel stuck between experience and reinvention, uncertain of their next steps," says Sam Chia, Founder, SC Coaching Asia. "RISE is built to address these challenges with a structured, forward-thinking approach to career growth and leadership development." The RISE program leverages executive coaching principles, market-relevant strategies, and self-leadership training to provide professionals with: 1. Personalized career roadmaps that align with individual capabilities, goals, and values. 2. Market-driven strategies for securing opportunities in competitive industries 3. Leadership and confidence-building techniques to position professionals for long-term success. 4. Resume optimization, interview mastery, and networking insights to strengthen job search effectiveness. The program is designed for professionals navigating leadership transitions, industry shifts, or career reinvention in an increasingly volatile market. About SC Coaching Asia SC Coaching Asia empowers leaders and organizations to drive business success through executive coaching, career development, and leadership training. Founded by Sam Chia, a Harvard-trained leadership expert with over 30 years of experience as a corporate leader and executive coach, the firm specializes in helping professionals navigate career transitions, enhance decision-making, and lead with confidence. Learn more at and connect with Sam Chia on LinkedIn. Email ID: contact@ Media Contact Company Name: SC Coaching Asia Contact Person: Sam Chia Email: Send Email Country: Singapore Website:
Axios
09-04-2025
- Politics
- Axios
Scoop: Ken Paxton hires Axiom to run Texas Senate campaign
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has hired the prominent Republican consulting firmAxiom Strategies to run his primary campaign against GOP Sen. John Cornyn, according to people familiar with the matter. Why it matters: Paxton's challenge of the four-term senator — which he announced Tuesday on Fox News — is expected to be the GOP's most expensive primary in 2026. Paxton has tapped Nick Maddux, who served as the chief political adviser in his 2022 campaign, to run his primary challenge. Sam Cooper, another Axiom consultant, is expected to lead an outside effort to elect Paxton. Jeff Roe, the firm's founder, will not be personally involved, according to sources familiar with the planning. Axiom has long worked for Texas Sen. Ted Cruz as well as Paxton. The intrigue: Roe is among the party's most controversial political operatives and is in a feud with Trump's 2024 co-campaign manager, Chris LaCivita. Trumpworld's disdain for Roe dates back to the 2024 Republican primary, when Roe ran an outside group backing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Four days ago, Tony Fabrizio, Trump's pollster, used the news that Axiom was laying off 10% of its workforce to mock Roe. Zoom out: The Republican party is bracing for a slugfest in Texas, with two state-wide elected officials, both with deep fundraising networks, preparing to go toe-to-toe in a state Trump won by 14 percentage points in November. Tim Scott, the chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, has pledged that his organization will support GOP incumbents. But he has vowed to stay in close consultation with Trump on the best way to avoid nasty intra-party fights. "We want to make sure that the president and I are on the same page on these issues," Scott told Axios last month.
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Robinhood to launch banking product
This story was originally published on Banking Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Banking Dive newsletter. Stock trading platform Robinhood seeks to dive deeper into financial services with the launch of a banking product later this year. Robinhood Banking, set to be rolled out this fall, will offer checking and savings accounts for its gold members featuring services that aim to solve some of the challenges with legacy bank accounts, said Deepak Rao, vice president and general manager of Robinhood Money. 'We want to have the full wallet share with customers,' Rao told Banking Dive, 'but we wanted to do it in our style and make sure that we build something that's no longer reserved for ultra-wealthy individuals.' While announcing the banking product last week, Vlad Tenev, chairman and CEO of Robinhood, also said the firm is adding two other new features, Robinhood Strategies and Cortex. Strategies is an advanced investing service that offers expert-managed goal-aligned portfolios and personalized insights with a cost cap of $250 per year for gold members and no management fees on amounts over $100K. Cortex is an upcoming artificial investment tool that will provide real-time market analysis, investment opportunity identification, and market news updates. Robinhood's credit card, rolled out last year, has around 200,000 cardholders and 3 million people on the waitlist. Following that, the fintech wanted to build an accessible product that members would use to invest and manage their wealth and handle all of their financial transactions. 'Bank account is still, by far, the center of gravity of most financial transactions,' Rao noted. The Menlo Park, California-based fintech aims to bring a 'private banking experience' to its members, including offering the option to apply for a bank account from the app, send money across the world in over 100 currencies and access private banking services like estate planning and professional tax advice. Robinhood's new feature of getting cash delivered to the doorstep physically within an hour will be a differentiating factor and eliminate the need for an ATM, Rao asserts, since bigger banks typically take several days to give money. The fintech plans to have an app dashboard where a customer can get a money order and have it sent to a recipient or order foreign currency to be delivered to their doorstep, the executive added. He said the banking product will be available to current Robinhood gold customers. Robinhood is offering a 4% annual percentage rate on savings and up to $2.5 million in Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. insurance. The fintech has partnered with Coastal Community Bank to offer its banking products. The lender has recently teamed up with fintechs like Dave to facilitate their banking services. Robinhood, which has nearly $200 billion in assets under custody, will use the same security system it uses now to ensure the safety of its customer money, according to Rao. Robinhood eventually wants the banking product to reach worldwide, but first he wants to figure out the best way to pursue what he sees as missing from it — like personal loans, mortgages or home equity lines of credit. The banking app can help members get an idea of their entire net worth when they open the app, including their liabilities not on Robinhood's platform. All liabilities like mortgages, student loans, personal loans, credit card debt, and assets appear on the screen. Members can connect to other accounts through Plaid, Rao said. This isn't Robinhood's first venture into banking. In October 2019, the fintech announced plans for a high-yield cash management account — a second attempt after a previous failed launch in December 2018. The fintech's first savings account initiative was halted since it had failed to notify the Securities and Exchange Commission and Securities Investor Protection Corporation before launching. Robinhood announced plans to rebrand the product into a cash management service following regulatory pushback. In April 2019, Robinhood applied for a bank charter with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency but chose to withdraw it that December. Since then, neobanks like Chime, SoFi and Revolut have dominated the fintech space. Chime recently added instant loans to its service. Rao says he's not worried about the proliferation of neobanks in the space. He argued that neobanks have failed to gain significant market share from traditional banks because neobanks lack 'backward compatibility' with essential banking features, such as physical checks or comprehensive services like bill pay, mortgage payments, and auto payments that traditional banks offer. 'I think they looked too forward without making it backward compatible,' Rao said. 'They have done good for a niche segment, but they haven't taken business away from legacy banks; that's where most of their market has stopped.' Recommended Reading Robinhood goes live in the UK Sign in to access your portfolio
Associated Press
29-01-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Element Solutions Inc Announces Date for 2024 Fourth Quarter and Full Year Earnings Release
Element Solutions Inc (NYSE:ESI) ('Element Solutions') announced today that it intends to release its 2024 fourth quarter and full year financial results after the market close on Tuesday, Feb 18, 2025. Element Solutions will host a webcast/dial-in conference call to discuss its financial results at 8:30 a.m. (Eastern Time) on Wednesday, Feb 19, 2025. Participants on the call will include Chief Executive Officer Benjamin Gliklich and Chief Financial Officer Carey J. Dorman. To listen to the call by telephone, please dial 888-510-2346 (domestic) or 646-960-0111 (international) and provide the Conference ID: 3799230. The call will be simultaneously webcast at A replay of the call will be available shortly after completion of the live call at About Element Solutions Inc Element Solutions Inc is a leading specialty chemicals company whose businesses supply a broad range of solutions that enhance the performance of products people use every day. Developed in multi-step technological processes, these innovative solutions enable customers' manufacturing processes in several key industries, including consumer electronics, power electronics, semiconductor fabrication, communications and data storage infrastructure, automotive systems, industrial surface finishing, consumer packaging and offshore energy. More information about the Company is available at CONTACT: Investor Relations Contact: Varun Gokarn VP, Strategy and Finance Element Solutions Inc 1-203-952-0369 [email protected] Contact: Scott Bisang / Ed Hammond / Tali Epstein Collected Strategies 1-212-379-2072 [email protected] INDUSTRY KEYWORD: CHEMICALS/PLASTICS OTHER MANUFACTURING MANUFACTURING Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 01/29/2025 07:30 AM/DISC: 01/29/2025 07:31 AM
