Recent studies indicate that excessive use of artificial intelligence (AI) may lead to a decline in cognitive abilities, raising concerns about the long-term impact on human intelligence. Researchers from MIT and other institutions have found evidence suggesting that reliance on AI can reduce brain activity associated with creative thinking and critical analysis.

A study conducted at MIT divided participants into groups, tasking them with essay writing. One group wrote without assistance, another used a search engine, and the third utilized ChatGPT. Brain activity was measured during the task, revealing significantly lower activity in the AI-assisted group, particularly in areas related to creative thinking and concentration.

The MIT study further revealed that participants who initially used AI performed worse when switched to unassisted tasks compared to those who started without AI. This suggests that relying on AI can hinder the development of independent thinking skills.

Microsoft also conducted a study involving over 300 knowledge workers who use AI weekly. The majority reported using fewer cognitive resources when completing tasks with generative AI, raising concerns about the potential for decreased critical thinking in the workplace.

Additionally, a study from the Swiss business school SBS found a negative correlation between frequent AI use and critical thinking abilities. This correlation was most evident among younger participants, while older and more educated individuals were better able to maintain critical thinking skills while using AI.

Anders Søgaard, a professor of language models at the University of Copenhagen, expresses concern about the potential loss of creativity and critical thinking skills due to over-reliance on AI. He suggests that educational institutions should incorporate activities that encourage the use of skills that can be outsourced to AI, similar to how physical education compensates for the reduced physical activity in modern life.

Researchers emphasize that while AI offers numerous benefits, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential impact on cognitive abilities and to find ways to maintain and develop critical thinking skills in the age of artificial intelligence. They suggest that excessive use of artificial intelligence can trigger a “cognitive debt” as the brain becomes less active.