Critical Thinking: Whatever Happened to It?

Critical thinking... Everyone talks about it. It is on CVs, in performance reviews, and a go-to term for educators and employers alike. But let’s be honest, how often do we actually see critical thinking in action? It seems to be more of a buzzword these days, a skill we all claim to value but rarely practise.

Look around. Decisions at work often feel rushed or overly reliant on established processes. Social media floods us with opinions that echo our own, not challenging us but reinforcing what we already believe. And in education, memorising facts often takes priority over questioning them.

So, what has happened to critical thinking? Is it a skill we have lost, or have we just stopped prioritising it? More importantly, how can we bring it back? Because here is the thing: critical thinking does not just help at work, it also makes life better, even helping with mental health.

Are We Losing Critical Thinking?..

Research shows that many people are not improving their critical thinking skills, even in environments where we might expect them to. Studies by Arum and Roksa (2011) found that nearly half of students in higher education showed no significant improvement in critical thinking after two years of university. This is concerning, as universities are often seen as the best opportunity to nurture intellectual curiosity and analytical thinking.

In workplaces, it is no better. How often do we see teams rubber-stamping decisions or following processes without much debate? People are often discouraged from questioning things. Whether it is due to time pressure, fear of being seen as difficult, or organisational cultures that value speed over depth, the opportunity for thoughtful analysis often takes a backseat.

Social media has not helped either. Algorithms are designed to keep us engaged by showing us content that confirms what we already believe. This creates echo chambers, making it harder for us to encounter diverse viewpoints or question the information we consume (Pennycook and Rand, 2019).

Why Does It Matter?..

The absence of critical thinking has real-world consequences, not just for organisations but for individuals. Without the ability to step back and question our assumptions, we are more likely to fall into cognitive traps. Patterns like catastrophising, jumping to conclusions, or viewing situations in extremes can increase stress and anxiety and even contribute to depression.

Critical thinking helps break these patterns. It enables us to challenge irrational thoughts, evaluate evidence, and see things from multiple perspectives. This is the foundation of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), one of the most effective treatments for anxiety and depression. By challenging unhelpful thinking patterns, people can reframe their experiences and build resilience (Kahrilas et al., 2020).

In the workplace, the benefits of critical thinking are just as significant. Teams that embrace it are more likely to innovate, solve problems effectively, and adapt to change. When critical thinking is absent, organisations risk falling into groupthink, making decisions that might feel easier in the short term but ultimately lack depth or creativity.

Why Is Critical Thinking So Invisible?..

The invisibility of critical thinking often comes down to organisational culture and how success is defined. Many workplaces reward speed, compliance, and short-term results, which means there is little room for the kind of reflection that critical thinking requires.

Leadership plays a big role here. When leaders fail to encourage open dialogue or model thoughtful decision-making, it sends a clear message: there is no time for questioning. This creates an environment where employees hesitate to speak up, even when they see opportunities for improvement or risks that need addressing.

Performance metrics also play a part. If success is measured purely by whether a project is completed on time and within budget, there is little incentive to focus on the quality of the thought process behind it.

Reclaiming Critical Thinking...

So, how do we bring critical thinking back into focus? It is not something that happens by chance—it needs deliberate effort. Organisations need to create cultures where questioning is not seen as a challenge to authority but as an essential part of good decision-making. Leaders need to model this behaviour by being open to new ideas and actively inviting different perspectives.

For individuals, reclaiming critical thinking starts with slowing down. In a world that constantly demands quick decisions and instant opinions, pausing to ask yourself a few key questions can make a big difference. Why do I believe this? What evidence supports it? Could I be wrong? Reflecting on these questions does not take long, but it can lead to much clearer thinking.

Education also plays a crucial role. Schools and universities should focus more on teaching students how to think rather than what to think. This means integrating exercises that encourage questioning and analysis, whether through debates, case studies, or collaborative problem-solving.

At a societal level, improving media literacy is essential. With so much information at our fingertips, people need the tools to evaluate what they read, identify bias, and spot misinformation. Encouraging this kind of critical engagement with media can help counter the growing problem of surface-level thinking.

Finally, we need to recognise that critical thinking is not just an intellectual skill—it is a tool for improving our mental well-being. Incorporating practices like reflective journaling or reframing unhelpful thoughts can make a significant difference in how we navigate stress, uncertainty, and personal challenges.

Final Thoughts...

Critical thinking is not gone, but it has been neglected. In our rush to get things done, we have lost sight of the importance of questioning, reflecting, and considering alternatives. The result is a world where decisions often lack depth, and opportunities for meaningful innovation and growth are missed.

Bringing critical thinking back is not just about improving work processes or boosting productivity, it is about improving lives. It is a skill that helps us make better decisions, communicate more effectively, and face life’s challenges with greater clarity and confidence.

So the next time you hear someone talk about critical thinking, ask yourself: am I practising it? Because the world does not just need people who can say the words, it needs people who live them.

Critical thinking: better decisions, stronger businesses, and happier, more fulfilling lives.