Is AI Making Us Smarter or Dumber? New Research Raises Important Questions
In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT and Claude have become part of our daily lives—from helping us with everyday tasks like drafting emails, brainstorming or answering complex questions.
While these technologies promise convenience and efficiency, emerging research suggests that they might also be affecting our brains in ways we haven’t fully understood yet.
What Does the Science Say?
A groundbreaking study from MIT’s Media Lab has taken a deep look at how using AI assistants like ChatGPT impacts our thinking and brain activity. The researchers asked participants to write essays, similar to how students might prepare for exams like the SAT, and divided them into three groups:
- Those using ChatGPT (a large language model or LLM)
- Those using traditional search engines like Google
- And those working without any external tools, relying solely on their own brains
The researchers used a technique called electroencephalography (EEG) to monitor brain activity during the writing process. Think of EEG as a way to see which parts of the brain are actively working.
Key Findings: The Hidden Cost of Convenience
The results were eye-opening. Participants who relied on ChatGPT showed the least brain engagement, with neural activity indicating they were less mentally active compared to the other groups.
Over time, these users tended to copy and paste entire essays instead of constructing ideas themselves. Interestingly, their self-assessment of ownership over their work was lower, and they struggled to quote their own previous work accurately.
In contrast, those working without any external aid had the most active and widespread brain networks, suggesting they were engaging more deeply with the task.
What Does This Mean for Education and Beyond?
This study raises important questions about the long-term effects of relying on AI tools. If our brains become accustomed to outsourcing thinking tasks—like writing, reasoning, or recalling information—could we be weakening our natural cognitive abilities? Especially in young learners whose brains are still developing, this could have significant implications.
The researchers warn that overuse of AI in education might lead to cognitive debt—a kind of mental fatigue or decline—similar to how physical debt affects health. They emphasize the need for careful consideration as AI tools become more integrated into classrooms and workplaces.
Balancing AI Use with Critical Thinking
Does this mean we should abandon AI tools altogether? Not necessarily. AI can be a powerful aid when used thoughtfully. The key lies in balancing convenience with active engagement—using AI to assist rather than replace our own thinking.
Educators, policymakers, and learners alike should ask: How can we harness the benefits of AI without compromising our mental skills? Encouraging activities that promote deep thinking, reflection, and creativity remains crucial.
Learn more about MIT’s study on their Archix paper.
As AI continues to evolve and embed itself into our routines, understanding its effects on our brains is more important than ever. While these technologies offer incredible opportunities, we must remain vigilant to ensure they serve as tools for empowerment—not obstacles to our cognitive growth.
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