New ChatGPT study reveals how AI is already impacting our brains

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According to a recent investigation led by scientists at MIT, engaging with ChatGPT may yield potentially worrying impacts on the human brain.

AI technology has made significant strides and is increasingly being integrated into everyday life, with many individuals utilizing it for various tasks. In fact, a student confidently displayed the use of ChatGPT on his laptop during his graduation, demonstrating its growing acceptance.

In a different situation, an individual went as far as programming an AI tool to act like a girlfriend. Remarkably, he proposed to this digital companion, although he was already in a genuine relationship with someone else. The instances of how ChatGPT is impacting people’s lives continue to expand.

Although chat tools like ChatGPT can certainly be useful for asking questions and seeking advice, studies have shown that over-reliance on them may potentially hinder the development of one’s own critical thinking abilities.

New study suggests using ChatGPT could be harmful to the brain

A research study conducted by scientists at MIT organized 54 students into three distinct teams and instructed each group differently prior to having them compose essays. One group was given access to ChatGPT, another could only use the Google search engine, while the third wrote independently without any assistance.

Through the use of electroencephalographs (EEGs), scientists managed to document the brain activity of each subject, ultimately identifying the group with the least mental involvement. Surprisingly, it turned out to be the individuals using ChatGPT.

Throughout the research process, it was found that individuals utilizing this AI device generally struggled across various aspects such as cognitive, linguistic, and behavioral dimensions.

The research additionally clarified that certain cognitive functions like thinking and strategic planning were transferred, possibly because there was less activity happening in areas of the brain linked to memory and education.

Moreover, the research suggested a trend: individuals using ChatGPT became progressively less diligent in their essay writing over several months, eventually reaching a stage where they resorted to simply copying and pasting towards the conclusion of the study.

After that, the primary author remarked, “It seemed more like, ‘Please write the essay, polish this sentence, make necessary edits, and I’ll be finished.’

Contrasting the Brain-only group with others, we observe a substantial difference in outcomes. This specific group showed greater satisfaction levels and exhibited stronger brain connectivity than their counterparts. On the other hand, the group utilizing Google displayed more moderate levels of brain activity.

Regarding the students who utilized AI, it was noted that the essays produced by this group were often perceived as having reduced importance or worth. This is because they supposedly invested less effort in composing these essays and frequently neglected to include a relevant quote from their work.

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2025-06-20 09:18