During writing tasks
A new study by researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has found that frequent use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as ChatGPT, may impair human cognitive function.
The findings raise concerns over the long-term effects of AI use on learning, memory and brain development, particularly among students and young people.
The four-month study, conducted by the MIT Media Lab, examined the impact of various digital tools on cognitive engagement during writing tasks.
Participants were divided into three groups: one used only their knowledge, another used traditional search engines, and the third used ChatGPT to generate content.
Those who used ChatGPT completed writing tasks 60 per cent faster than their counterparts. However, this gain in speed was matched by a 32 per cent drop in what researchers called “germane cognitive load”, which refers to the mental effort involved in processing and internalising new information.
The researchers described this decline in mental effort as a form of “cognitive debt”, noting that repeated reliance on AI reduced the brain’s ability to perform independent thought.
The study found that essays generated with the assistance of ChatGPT were less original and often exhibited similar structures and content. Participants also reported a diminished sense of ownership over their work, especially when compared to those who relied on search engines or independent thinking.
Brain scans conducted as part of the research revealed stark differences in neural activity.
Participants who relied solely on their knowledge exhibited the highest levels of connectivity in the Alpha Band, which is associated with semantic processing and internal attention. They showed 79 connections, compared to just 42 in the ChatGPT group.
The same trend was seen in the Theta Band, which supports working memory and executive control. Users without AI assistance had 65 Theta Band connections, while ChatGPT users had only 29.
These patterns suggest that the more a participant relied on AI to generate content, the less their brain engaged in deeper processing of information. The researchers said that over time, this could weaken the brain’s ability to solve problems and retain knowledge without external help.
One of the most concerning findings was related to memory recall. More than 83 per cent of ChatGPT users were unable to accurately quote from essays they had written minutes earlier. In contrast, only 11.1 per cent of participants in the brain-only and search engine groups experienced similar recall issues.
Researchers said this could indicate that when AI performs most of the cognitive work, the human brain fails to encode that information into long-term memory. Participants struggled to recall or rewrite their earlier work without the tool, suggesting a disconnect between task execution and meaningful learning.
Lead researcher Nataliya Kosmyna warned that young users could be most at risk, as their developing brains are still forming critical neural pathways. With AI tools now widespread in classrooms and universities, the study suggests that overexposure could limit long-term learning capacity. The researchers also cited other studies that link higher AI engagement with increased loneliness and reduced motivation, despite short-term productivity gains.
While the study is still awaiting peer review, it is among the first to offer neurological evidence of how AI affects brain activity. Kosmyna said the goal was not to ban AI tools but to raise awareness of how they change human thought processes.
The implications go beyond education. In professional settings, where creativity and critical thinking are essential, similar patterns of dependence on AI tools could undermine decision-making and innovation.
As these technologies become increasingly integrated into everyday life, the study advocates for a balanced approach that preserves human cognitive skills while leveraging AI for enhanced efficiency.
In the Middle East, where education sectors are increasingly adopting generative AI platforms to boost learning outcomes, the findings may spark debate among policymakers.
With the UAE positioning itself as a leader in AI integration, experts may now face calls to ensure that new technology does not come at the cost of essential cognitive development.
Image: Brain scans conducted as part of the MIT research revealed stark differences in neural activity. Credit: Katrin Bolovtsova
