Amid growing human dependence on Artificial Intelligence (AI), a recent study by USA’s Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has made shocking revelations about how it negatively impacts our brain!

The study revealed that people who rely on AI tools like ChatGPT to write, end up showing weaker brain activity. They wrote faster, but used less mental effort, especially in areas tied to focus and memory. The study says too much dependence on the AI tool impacts our critical thinking thereby making us less smart!

What does the MIT study say?

The study divided 54 people between the ages 18 to 39 years from the Boston area—into three groups. Then they were asked to write several SAT exam essays using OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google’s search engine, and using their own thinking and creativity, respectively.

Researchers used an electroencephalogram (EEG) to record the writers’ brain activity across 32 regions, and found that of the three groups, ChatGPT users not only had the lowest brain engagement but also “consistently underperformed at neural, linguistic, and behavioral levels.”

Over the course of several months, ChatGPT users got lazier with each subsequent essay, they resorted to copy-and-paste by the end of the study.
The paper suggests that the usage of Large language models (LLMs) could actually harm learning, especially for younger users. Despite the sample size being small and lack of peer review, the paper’s main author Nataliya Kosmyna felt it was important to release the findings to elevate concerns that as society increasingly relies upon LLMs for immediate convenience, long-term brain development may be sacrificed in the process.

Relying on AI for tasks that require cognitive effort can lead to “cognitive debt”
Several recent studies suggest that excessive use of tools like ChatGPT may slow down brain activity, potentially impacting learning and critical thinking skills. This is because relying on AI for tasks that require cognitive effort can lead to “cognitive debt” and make the brain less engaged.

However, the research is still ongoing and some experts argue that the findings need further peer review and that AI tools can also be used to augment thinking rather than replace it.

What is ChatGPT?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think and learn like humans. These systems can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as learning, problem-solving, and decision-making. AI encompasses a wide range of technologies, from simple rule-based systems to complex algorithms that can analyze data, recognize patterns, and make predictions.

ChatGPT is an AI (Artificial Intelligence). Specifically, it’s a Large Language Model (LLM) developed by OpenAI that uses generative AI to create human-like text and engage in conversational dialogue. The “GPT” in ChatGPT stands for Generative Pre-Trained Transformer, referring to the technology it uses to process language.

How does over dependence on AI affect human brain?

Over-reliance on AI can lead to a decline in critical thinking, problem-solving, and memory skills. AI’s ability to generate ideas and solutions might stifle human creativity and innovation. Excessive use of AI-powered tools can lead to a loss of basic skills, such as mental math or navigation. AI-driven interactions can reduce face-to-face social interactions, potentially leading to feelings of loneliness and isolation.

AI systems can perpetuate biases and manipulate information, which can affect our perception of reality. Exposure to screens and AI-driven notifications can disrupt sleep patterns. Over-reliance on AI can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.