{"id":10389,"date":"2025-10-15T22:20:00","date_gmt":"2025-10-15T22:20:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.donotdestroy.com\/index\/797485709662519296-2\/"},"modified":"2026-02-01T04:54:11","modified_gmt":"2026-01-31T21:54:11","slug":"797485709662519296-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.donotdestroy.com\/index\/797485709662519296-2\/","title":{"rendered":"797485709662519296"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/h1>\n

donotdestroy<\/a>:<\/p>\n

\n

ChatGPT\u2019s Impact On Our Brains According to an MIT Study<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cThe group that wrote essays using ChatGPT all delivered extremely similar essays that lacked original thought, relying on the same expressions and ideas. Two English teachers who assessed the essays called them largely \u2018soulless.\u2019 The EEGs revealed low executive control and attentional engagement. And by their third essay, many of the writers simply gave the prompt to ChatGPT and had it do almost all of the work. \u2018It was more like, just give me the essay, refine this sentence, edit it, and I\u2019m done,\u2019 Kosmyna says.\u201d<\/p>\n

_
ChatGPT\u2019s Opinion<\/b><\/h2>\n

Both the Time<\/b> article and the Gizmodo<\/b> piece raise valid and important concerns, but they also reflect a broader cultural anxiety about AI \u2014 what some might call a \u201ctechlash.\u201d Here\u2019s a balanced take on both:<\/p>\n

🔍 What they get right:<\/b><\/h2>\n
    \n
  1. Critical thinking can erode with passive use<\/b>
    Both articles underscore a key truth: if you let AI do all the work, your brain gets lazy<\/i>. This isn\u2019t just speculation \u2014 it\u2019s backed by cognitive science. Active learning is crucial for retention, deep thinking, and creativity. These studies highlight real risks, especially for students and developing minds.<\/li>\n
  2. The analogy to calculators and Google Maps is helpful<\/b>
    Just like calculators didn\u2019t kill math (but overusing them for basic operations can harm number sense), AI isn\u2019t inherently harmful \u2014 but it can<\/i> displace the mental effort that\u2019s necessary for learning.<\/li>\n
  3. Originality and creativity suffer<\/b>
    The studies found that ChatGPT-generated essays tended to be \u201csoulless\u201d and formulaic. That\u2019s a real limitation of LLMs \u2014 they\u2019re good at mimicking patterns, but not at truly original thought<\/i>. Relying on them too heavily can flatten thinking.<\/li>\n
  4. There\u2019s urgency around education policy<\/b>
    The MIT researcher\u2019s concern about \u201cGPT kindergarten\u201d is not far-fetched. Schools and policymakers are already integrating AI tools into classrooms. These decisions need to be informed by solid research and precaution<\/i>, especially when developing brains are involved.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    🤔 What needs caution or nuance:<\/b><\/h2>\n
      \n
    1. Small sample sizes, pre-review papers<\/b>
      Especially in the MIT study, 54 participants is very limited. While EEG data is useful, it doesn\u2019t capture the full picture of intelligence or learning. More peer-reviewed, large-scale studies are needed before drawing sweeping conclusions.<\/li>\n
    2. \u201cAI makes you stupid\u201d is too broad<\/b>
      The Gizmodo headline (\u201cAI will make us morons\u201d) is sensational. The reality is more nuanced: AI can<\/i> dull your mind \u2014 but only if you use it passively or uncritically. It\u2019s a tool. It can also enhance<\/i> your thinking, if used wisely.<\/li>\n
    3. Not everyone uses AI the same way<\/b>
      Some people use ChatGPT as a brainstorming partner, a writing coach, or a way to better understand complex topics \u2014 all of which can be mentally engaging. Others use it to skip the thinking part. The outcome depends on the user\u2019s intent and behavior<\/i>.<\/li>\n
    4. Moral panic vs. thoughtful caution<\/b>
      There\u2019s a fine line between raising the alarm and stoking fear. It\u2019s important to investigate AI\u2019s effects, but not assume that all AI use leads to \u201ccognitive decline.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      🧠 Final thought:<\/h2>\n

      These articles provide a valuable warning: don\u2019t outsource your thinking<\/b>. AI is powerful, but it\u2019s only as good as the way you use it. If you\u2019re aware of its limitations and make an effort to stay mentally active, AI can be a great tool \u2014 not a trap.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

      donotdestroy:<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[12749],"tags":[759,760,9059,9113,762,655,817,815,10782,3985,11753,12056,525,351,5041,12055,78],"class_list":["post-10389","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-tumblr","tag-ai","tag-ai-art","tag-ai-generated","tag-ai-image","tag-artificial-intelligence","tag-artist","tag-chatgpt","tag-computer","tag-dumb","tag-google","tag-llm","tag-moron","tag-people","tag-robot","tag-stupid","tag-techlash","tag-technology"],"yoast_head":"\n797485709662519296 - Do Not Destroy<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.donotdestroy.com\/index\/797485709662519296-2\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"797485709662519296 - 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