The rise of AI tools like ChatGPT has revolutionized the way we work. These tools promise to make our lives easier and save us time. But what’s the real cost of relying on them? A recent study by MIT Media Lab, led by Dr. Nataliya Kosmyna, sheds light on the darker side of our dependence on AI.
The study divided 54 volunteers into three groups. One group used ChatGPT to write essays, another wrote on their own without any tools, and the third used Google Search to find information. Over four months, the researchers tracked the brain activity of the participants using EEG scans. The results were striking.
The group that relied on ChatGPT showed lower brain activity in areas related to language, creativity, and behavior. Their essays lacked originality and insight, with repetitive phrases and ideas. Even teachers who graded the essays noted that they were “lifeless” and “lacked substance.”
In contrast, the group that wrote on their own showed the highest level of neural connections, especially in areas related to creativity, memory, and meaning. They were more engaged and satisfied with their work.
The group that used Google Search also maintained a positive level of brain activity and were happy with their results.
But here’s the shocking part: when the ChatGPT group was asked to write a new essay without AI, they performed worse. Their memory of the previous task was poor, and their brain activity in areas related to memory and creativity plummeted. The neural connections in their brains decreased by an average of 47%, from 79 to 42 points.
Dr. Kosmyna explains that relying on AI like ChatGPT may speed up work by 60%, but it reduces the cognitive load by 32%. This “cognitive debt” means that the brain isn’t developing or practicing essential skills, leading to a loss of ability to think and create independently in the long run.
The researchers are most concerned about the potential long-term effects, especially on young minds that are still developing. Dr. Kosmyna warns that introducing AI to children without understanding its impact could lead to cognitive and mental problems later on.
Child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr. Zishan Khan agrees that excessive reliance on AI may increase the risk of mental health issues and stunt brain development, particularly in young people.
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