Is ChatGPT making you dumber? Experts warn of cognitive side effects
ChatGPT negatively affects cognitive abilities (photo: Getty Images)
Constant use of artificial intelligence, including ChatGPT, to write texts may have a harmful impact on brain function. This is stated in a new study by the MIT Media Lab, reports The Independent.
What the study is about
The research was conducted by the MIT Media Lab, an interdisciplinary research laboratory at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology that focuses on projects at the intersection of technology, multimedia, science, art, and design.
As part of the experiment, researchers divided participants into three groups: one used ChatGPT to write essays, another relied on search engines, and the third had no external support at all. While completing the task, scientists monitored brain activity using electroencephalography.
Results showed that participants who relied on ChatGPT had the weakest cognitive performance, specifically, poorer memory, less connected brain networks, and lower language output. Those who worked independently, without any tools, showed the highest levels of brain activity distribution.
"Over four months, large language model users consistently underperformed at neural, linguistic, and behavioral levels," the study notes.
The effect of ChatGPT on people
The study's lead author, Nataliya Kosmyna, expressed particular concern about ChatGPT's impact on children, whose brains are still developing.
"What really motivated me to put it out now before waiting for a full peer review is that I am afraid in 6-8 months, there will be some policymaker who decides, 'let's do GPT kindergarten.' I think that would be absolutely bad and detrimental," she emphasized.
Despite this, the administration of former US President Donald Trump sees things differently. In April, he signed an executive order encouraging the integration of AI into the American education system. The document stresses the importance of teaching children how to use and create future technologies so that the US can maintain leadership in the field.
Meanwhile, the MIT team is already working on a new study—this time on the impact of AI on the brain activity of software developers. According to Kosmyna, the results were "even worse."
Earlier, we reported that the United Arab Emirates will introduce artificial intelligence into the school curriculum starting in 2025, from kindergarten through grade 12. The subject will cover both the ethics and practical applications of AI. The country aims to become a regional leader in AI by investing in data centers, an AI development fund, and a $1.4 trillion investment plan in technologies and infrastructure, including projects in the US.
We also reported that artificial intelligence is gradually replacing humans even in prestigious professions such as law, medicine, finance, and engineering. Algorithms are taking over routine but essential tasks, reshaping job structures. This could lead to decreased earnings for professionals and serious socio-economic consequences.
