ChatGPT may diminish cognitive skills, says MIT study
A new MIT study found that people who leaned on ChatGPT for essay writing showed less brain activity and weaker thinking skills than those using Google or working solo.
Researchers tracked 54 adults over four months, and those relying on AI had the lowest mental engagement.
How overdependence on AI affects mental engagement
The more people used ChatGPT, the less original and creative their essays became—lots of copy-pasting, barely any personal touch.
When asked to rewrite without AI, many couldn't remember what they'd written before.
Brain scans also showed less activity in areas tied to deep thinking.
Use AI as a helper, not a crutch
The researchers warn that getting too comfortable with tools like ChatGPT could weaken your core thinking and memory skills, especially if you're younger.
Their advice: use AI as a helper, not a crutch—keep challenging your own mind to stay sharp.