Critical Thinking in AI Prompting: Asking the Right Questions
Most People Use AI Wrong - Here’s How to Fix It
AI is only as smart as the questions we ask it. The quality of a prompt determines whether we get a useful answer or just digital noise.
But here’s the catch:
Most people type in whatever comes to mind without thinking critically about what they’re actually asking.
And that’s a problem.
Imagine AI as a high-speed train. It can take you anywhere, but if you don’t give it clear directions, you might end up in the wrong place. Critical thinking is the GPS that ensures we don’t just get an answer, but the right answer.
The Problem with Lazy Prompts
Let’s say a CEO asks an AI,
“How can we improve cybersecurity?”
Sounds like a good question, right?
Not really.
It’s too broad. The AI might spit out generic advice like “invest in employee training” or “use multi-factor authentication.” Sure, that’s not wrong, but it’s like asking how to get rich and being told to “spend less than you earn.” Obvious, but not exactly useful.
Now, if the CEO had asked, “What are the top three emerging cybersecurity threats for financial institutions in 2025?” the answer would be way more specific and actionable. The AI now has something clear to work with.
Thinking Like a Hacker
Hackers don’t just take information at face value. They poke, test, and look for weaknesses. That’s exactly how we should approach AI. Instead of blindly accepting what it tells us, we need to:
1. Check for Bias
AI models are trained on data that may contain hidden biases. If you ask, “Why is AI better than human decision-making?” you’re leading the model toward a biased answer. A more neutral prompt like “How does AI compare to human decision-making in cybersecurity risk analysis?” forces a balanced response.
2. Challenge the Answer
Let’s say AI says, “Cybersecurity budgets should be increased by 20%.” Ask why. What’s the source? Is that true for all industries? Does AI have the latest financial data? If not, how reliable is the answer?
3. Break It Down
Instead of one vague question, break it into steps. “What are the biggest security threats in cloud computing?” followed by “Which of these threats is most likely to impact a healthcare company?” gets a much sharper response than “How do we secure cloud systems?”
Garbage In, Garbage Out
The biggest mistake people make with AI? Treating it like a magic eight-ball. If you ask it something lazy, you get a lazy answer. If you ask it something misleading, you get a misleading answer. It’s not about what AI knows—it’s about how we ask.
So next time you type a prompt, don’t just hit enter. Step back. Think. Are you asking a question that will actually get you what you need?
If not, you might as well be flipping a coin.