Should you limit your AI Copilot use? Microsoft says you should!

📊 What does the research say?

Microsoft analyzed the behavior of users who use Copilot and other AI tools for their daily tasks. This revealed troubling findings:

✅ Cognitive decline – People who rely heavily on AI think less critically and develop fewer insights of their own.
✅ Less creative solutions – AI helps with standard solutions, but reduces diversity in answers. Users without AI often came up with more variety in their solutions.
✅ Blind trust in AI output – Many users blindly adopt generated answers without verifying them.

 

Privacy and AI: why Amsterdam stops Copilot

𝗘𝗻 𝗱𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗶𝗲𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘀. Discussion of AI use in the public sector is growing.

🚨 The City of Amsterdam has decided to stop a trial of Microsoft Copilot because of privacy concerns. The decision stems from concerns about the processing of sensitive information and the potential impact on the data protection of citizens and officials. AI assistants such as Copilot use large language models to analyze and process data, raising questions about data storage, compliance and transparency.

 

🏛️ The Association of Netherlands Municipalities (VNG) warns its members to make a well-considered choice. In a recent advice, the VNG emphasizes that municipalities should critically consider whether the benefits of AI solutions such as Copilot outweigh the potential risks. This advice underscores that:

 

• Municipalities must strictly monitor the processing of personal data and whether it is handled in accordance with the AVG.
• The use of AI should not come at the expense of control and accountability within government departments.
• Governments must be transparent about how AI is deployed so that citizens maintain confidence in digital innovations.

This decision by the City of Amsterdam shows that the debate about AI and privacy is gaining momentum. While many companies and organizations are embracing AI as the productivity tool of the future, governments are emphasizing that security and ethics are at least as important.²

 

🏆 How do you leverage AI without becoming dependent?

AI is a powerful tool, but it is still essential to keep thinking for yourself. Microsoft recommends the following:

🔹 Use AI as an assistant, not a replacement – Let Copilot support you, but keep thinking and assessing yourself.
🔹 Ask critical questions – Always check that the answers generated are correct and relevant.
🔹 Keep alternating – Use AI as inspiration, but also work without AI to keep your thinking skills sharp.

 

🎯 Conclusion: deploying AI wisely

Copilot and other AI tools are great, but should be used in moderation. By being smart about AI, you will reap the benefits without compromising your critical thinking skills. Balance is key! ⚖️

💡 What do you think? Do you worry about AI dependence, or do you see only benefits?

 

References

¹https://www.microsoft.com/research/uploads/prod/2025/01/lee_2025_ai_critical_thinking_survey.pdf

²https://www.gemeente.nu/bedrijfsvoering/ai/amsterdam-staakt-gebruik-van-microsoft-copilot
 
 

About the author

My name is Alta Martes, a specialist in Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace, with a focus on modern workplace management, cloud security and identity & access management. With years of experience, I help organizations optimize their IT infrastructure and create a secure, efficient digital workplace.

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