[obscurette]

> calculators didn't make us dumber

I think that most of people misunderstand what calculator changed. Calculator didn't replace people doing math, calculator replaced mathematical tables, slide rulers and other already existing devices.

And regarding making people dumber ... Math teachers who saw this change said that there was a clear shift – students started to think less critically. With slide rulers and tables you had to think about answers – significant figures etc – with calculators you don't.

[Tubelord]

You still have to think about significant figures with calculators I used. Most will produce an irrational number result with as many insignificant digits that will fit on the display.

[obscurette]

Only with final answer, if you have to round etc. With slide rulers and tables you had to think about it with every step, where to put your decimal separator etc.

[ColdStream]

One could argue that those who think calculators didn't make themselves dumb cannot be the judge of that. Cannot be the claimant, defendant and judge all at the same time.

I would say that calculators definitely reduced my more simplistic mathematics skills but did open up some more advanced stuff. I wouldn't say it was a gain or a loss, just depends on what your needs are.