In the wake of the brutal assassination of Charlie Kirk, a young father and public figure, our society faces not just a tragedy but also profound questions about the role of media and technology in shaping our responses and our reality. The public display of such violence on social media platforms brings to light not only the immediate shock and despair but also the deeper, more insidious effects of our increasingly digital lives.

The era of the 1960s witnessed shocking political violence, but without the internet or social media, the public's interaction with such events was vastly different. Trust in traditional media provided a buffer of sorts, a gatekeeping that is absent in today's instantaneous, often unfiltered digital dissemination of information. This shift raises a critical question: as we navigate this uncharted territory, are we sacrificing our critical thinking for convenience?

The relentless attacks on free speech and the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in our lives bring additional complexity to this dilemma. AI, while enhancing efficiency, seems to be encroaching upon the very skills that define professional and intellectual rigor. The legal profession provides a stark example, where reliance on AI might be undermining the foundational skills of new lawyers.

A recent survey underscores this concern, suggesting that while AI can boost efficiency, it may also reduce our capacity for critical thinking and independent problem-solving. This burgeoning dependency poses a significant question about the future role of humans as knowledge workers.

Are we relegating critical thinking to algorithms and machines? If so, what does this mean for future generations who might rely on AI not just for assistance but for direction and decision-making? As we ponder these questions, it becomes increasingly clear that the answers will shape not only our personal and professional lives but the very fabric of our society.

In this digital age, as we grapple with these profound shifts, the challenge will be to balance the benefits of technological advances with the critical need to nurture and retain our innate capacities for deep thinking and ethical reasoning.