It's no secret I love AI tools. As someone with a million hobbies and a curious mindset, I've been fascinated by how AI makes it easy to brainstorm, synthesize, plan, and write. Even art has become more enjoyable since I can quickly create the image I have in mind. But is that good?
Part of what makes great art, writing, and research is the process of creating them. Without that methodical process, accelerated and simplified by AI, we risk losing some of the humanity, deep thinking, and depth that come from pure, deliberate creation.
When using AI, I sometimes feel like a superhero and sometimes like a fraud. Is this truly my work? Have I genuinely contributed something meaningful? Or am I being drawn into a cycle that primarily benefits corporate interests at the expense of my creativity?
MIT and collaborating researchers recently published a groundbreaking study, "Your Brain on ChatGPT," which explores how AI writing tools impact not only your workflow but your brain itself.
Here's what they discovered and why it matters if you regularly use AI writing assistants.
The Experiment
Researchers studied 54 participants as they wrote essays under three different conditions:
- AI Assisted (LLM Group): Writing essays using ChatGPT.
- Web Assisted (Search Engine Group): Writing essays with Google, but without ChatGPT.
- Brain-only Group: Writing entirely from memory with no assistance.
They captured brain activity using EEG (special headsets) and had both human and AI judges evaluate the essays. Later, participants switched conditions to see what happened when ChatGPT users wrote without AI assistance.
Key Insights: What’s Really Happening in Your Brain
1. ChatGPT Reduces Cognitive Load, Maybe Too Much
When participants wrote with ChatGPT, their brain activity significantly decreased. Specifically, areas involved in deep thinking, creativity, and memory showed less connectivity.
This phenomenon, known as cognitive offloading, is similar to using a calculator for basic math. While easier in the moment, it might weaken your cognitive skills over time if used excessively.
2. AI Reliance Creates Lasting Cognitive Habits
Participants who initially used ChatGPT struggled to engage their brains fully when writing without the tool later. Their neural connectivity didn't fully recover, resulting in weaker recall of their essays and reduced feelings of ownership.
Think of it like riding a bike with training wheels; if you never remove them, your balance and skill may deteriorate.
3. Writing Without AI Activates More Brain Networks
Those writing without any tools showed significantly stronger brain connectivity in areas associated with creativity, attention, and working memory. Even participants using Google had greater brain engagement than those using ChatGPT.
Simply put, writing on your own thoroughly exercises your brain.
4. AI Writing Looks Better but Feels Worse
Surprisingly, essays written with ChatGPT were rated highly for grammar, clarity, and structure, often outperforming purely human-written essays. However, human judges consistently described them as less original, creative, and compelling.
Participants also felt less connected to their AI-assisted essays and often struggled to quote what they'd just written.
Practical Advice for Using AI Writing Tools
Here's how to balance convenience with cognitive health:
- Use AI as a collaborator, not a crutch: Allow ChatGPT to inspire and guide you but remain actively involved.
- Regularly practice writing without AI: Keep your brain sharp by occasionally going "old-school," even briefly.
- Reflect on AI-generated content: Take time to process and personalize what AI provides. Deep reflection enhances learning and retention.
- Demand more from AI interfaces: Support or create AI tools that encourage active participation and critical thinking, not just passive acceptance.
Final Thoughts: The Future of AI and You
This study doesn't suggest abandoning ChatGPT. AI tools are powerful allies. However, it clearly demonstrates that over-reliance on AI could weaken important cognitive muscles like creativity, critical thinking, and memory.
The takeaway? Enjoy AI's capabilities, but stay vigilant. Your brain thrives on challenge, novelty, and engagement.
For me? I may change some of the habits I've been forming. Maybe I'll write a full draft before I let AI polish it. Maybe I’ll sketch more by hand instead of generating concepts. I haven’t fully figured out how I’ll reduce my dependence on AI tools, but this study has definitely nudged me to try.
Source: Your Brain on ChatGPT