Artificial intelligence is already part of the daily routine in companies, schools, and educational institutions. Automating tasks, accelerating processes, and increasing productivity has never been so accessible. But, given this scenario, one question becomes increasingly important: how can we ensure that technology strengthens, and does not replace, the human capacity to think?
This was one of the main reflections presented by futurist Martha Gabriel during her lecture at Edu Summit 2026, one of the most relevant innovation and education events in the country. As a partner of the event, PagCorp was present, following the discussions that are shaping the future of educational management, reinforcing its commitment to offering solutions that combine technology, operational efficiency, and intelligence for decision-making.
Throughout her presentation, Martha argued that, in an increasingly automated world, the greatest competitive advantage will continue to be people's ability to analyze, question, and make informed decisions.
One of the expert's main warnings was about the indiscriminate use of artificial intelligence to replace stages of the learning and thinking process.
According to Martha Gabriel, studies have already shown that using AI as a starting point for all activities can reduce cognitive engagement and compromise people's development.
“A study by MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) showed that those who directly used AI had lower brain activity, didn't remember what they had produced, and lacked a sense of authorship. Those who thought first and then used AI showed much greater brain activity. Artificial intelligence expanded their cognitive capacity. Therefore, AI cannot be an autopilot; it needs to be a co-pilot. It's always about thinking first, then AI,” stated Martha.
According to the futurist, technology represents enormous potential for evolution, but only when used to enhance human capabilities and not to replace essential skills such as analysis, creativity, and critical thinking.
Critical thinking
Another highlight of the lecture was the impact of artificial intelligence on the skills required in the job market. Martha Gabriel reminded the audience that the ease of obtaining ready-made answers does not eliminate the need to interpret information, identify biases, and ask good questions—skills that will continue to be exclusively human.
“Critical thinking is the most important skill. Without it, you don't know how to use creativity, which technology to choose, or who to collaborate with. Thinking critically is the new luxury. Dopamine comes easily. Clarity and lucidity are not. Thinking requires energy, it requires a repertoire, and it requires intention,” revealed Martha.
She also highlighted that organizations around the world are already beginning to value professionals capable of conducting independent analyses, even in the face of advancements in generative AI.
Among the pillars presented to strengthen critical thinking are kind skepticism, reduction of cognitive biases, logic, building a repertoire, and a solid set of values to guide decisions.
Ethics and people
When discussing the advancement of artificial intelligence, Martha Gabriel emphasized that decisions based solely on technical criteria can lead to negative consequences if they are not subject to human scrutiny.
“Technical decisions need to be filtered through human attitude, morality, and ethics. With AI, the impact is systemic. What you do can affect many people. Therefore, discipline, integrity, and responsibility cease to be differentiators and become essential competencies for any professional,” he stated.
Martha also pointed out that the quality of AI-generated responses depends directly on the quality of the questions people ask. "Machines are for answers; humans are for questions," the expert summarized, reinforcing that critical thinking will remain essential for guiding the responsible use of technology.
Technology transforming management
The reflections presented at Edu Summit 2026 reinforce that innovation doesn't just mean incorporating new tools, but using them to make people and organizations more efficient.
This principle also guides PagCorp's operations. By automating financial processes, centralizing the management of corporate expenses, simplifying payments, offering greater control over corporate cards, and expanding financial governance, the company allows managers to stop dedicating time to operational activities and focus on strategic decisions.
In the education sector, this means providing greater administrative efficiency so that educational institutions can focus their efforts on what truly generates value: quality management, people development, and the creation of environments prepared to train professionals capable of thinking critically in an increasingly connected world driven by artificial intelligence.
That was precisely the main message left by Martha Gabriel: the future belongs to organizations that manage to balance technology and human intelligence, using innovation to empower people and not to replace what they value most: their ability to think.
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