Recent research indicates that ChatGPT may negatively impact individuals’ critical thinking skills over time.
At MIT’s Media Lab, researchers set up a study where participants analyzed several SAT essays, dividing them into three groups. One group utilized OpenAI’s ChatGPT, another relied on Google’s search engine, and the last group engaged in traditional brain activities without any technology. EEG monitoring tracked brain activity in various regions for all subjects.
The findings revealed that those using ChatGPT over several months exhibited the least brain engagement, showing “consistently reduced performance at neural, verbal, and behavioral levels,” according to the study.
Interestingly, although the ChatGPT group initially interacted with a large-scale language model to ask structural questions about the essays, they tended to resort to copying and pasting by the study’s conclusion.
In contrast, those using Google’s search engine demonstrated moderate brain involvement, while the group relying solely on their cognitive abilities displayed the highest level of brain activity across a broad network.
This research raises concerns about the potential cognitive harm of using large language models, particularly for younger users. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into education, worries about its effects continue to grow.
“I felt it was essential to share these findings now rather than wait for a complete peer review because I’m concerned that policymakers might rush into implementing ‘GPT kindergarten’ in the near future,” said Natalya Kosmina, the lead author of the study. She expressed deep concerns about the implications for brain development, calling it highly risky.
Despite the warnings, the momentum for AI in education appears unimpeded. In April, President Trump signed an executive order aimed at incorporating AI tools into American classrooms.
“The fundamental goal of this executive order is to ensure that American students are adequately prepared for the future workforce by equipping them with essential AI skills,” officials stated.
