Abstract
The relevance of this study was determined by the need for human thinking to navigate the world of information technology. This world poses challenges related to processing and analysing rapidly spreading information. However, this information is not always true; it is often fake or manipulated. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the concept of critical thinking in historical retrospect, its practical significance for the modern world, and the challenges posed to humans by the development of artificial intelligence. The study discussed the development of technology and the related interest in artificial intelligence. However, human thinking and the individual facing the challenges posed by the rapid development of information technology deserve increasing attention. Based on current findings in this area, it was generalised that critical thinking is emerging as one of the principal skills of the 21st century, along with communication skills and creative thinking. Although many people are aware of the value of critical thinking, its popularisation requires more effort. This study analysed the significance of critical thinking and its practical usefulness in helping to improve human thinking. The historical and philosophical processes of forming human thinking, as well as methods of improving it, were also explored. However, this problem should also be considered in the context of modern technology development, including artificial intelligence. Such theoretical methods as generalisation, analysis and synthesis were employed to study the concepts of critical thinking and artificial intelligence. This revealed the potential for interaction between the two fields, which could improve human thinking. This is useful for schoolchildren, students and graduate students, as well as anyone who wants to counteract the manipulative practices of modern times. Overall, artificial intelligence can harm the development of human thinking, but if it is used in conjunction with critical thinking, such cooperation can yield a good productive result that would lead to human success in the rapidly developing world of nanotechnology