#65: Dr Michael Gerlich, AI, Critical Thinking, and the Convenience Trap
From Wag Tales by Megan Corcoran
June 4, 2026 · 1h 32m
About this episode
Dr. Michael Gerlich discusses the impact of AI on human thinking and decision-making with host Megan Corcoran.
Dr Michael Gerlich is a researcher, sociologist, educator, and author of The Convenience Trap , a book exploring how artificial intelligence is reshaping the way we think, learn, connect, and make decisions. With a background spanning technology, business, and human behaviour, Michael is interested not just in what AI can do, but what its growing presence means for us as humans. In this conversation, Michael and Megan explore the opportunities and challenges that come with living in an increasingly AI-driven world. They discuss the concept of cognitive offloading, the tendency to outsource thinking to technology, and what this might mean for critical thinking, creativity, learning, and problem-solving. Together, they unpack the importance of friction, effort, and curiosity in a world where convenience is becoming the default. This is a thoughtful and balanced conversation about how we can embrace new technologies without losing the very skills that help us thrive. From education and parenting to relationships and wellbeing, Michael invites us to think more deeply about how we use AI—and how we can ensure it remains a tool that supports human flourishing rather than replacing it…
People in this episode
Host: Megan Corcoran
Guest: Dr Michael Gerlich
Topics covered
- artificial intelligence
- critical thinking
- cognitive offloading
- education
- human behaviour
- technology
Keywords
- AI
- critical thinking
- convenience trap
- cognitive offloading
- human flourishing
- technology
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Wagtail Institute, Swiss Business School
Books & works: The Convenience Trap
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