When was the last time you asked an AI chatbot for help?
It may have been for an essay outline, a data analysis, or a quick check of a cover letter. These tools are now part of daily work and study for millions of people.
However, some experts worry that handing over these tasks to AI could reduce how much our brains are working. The concern is not about convenience, but about long-term effects on thinking skills.
MIT Study Raises Cognitive Concerns
Earlier this year, researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology published a study examining how AI affects learning. The study found that participants who used ChatGPT to write essays showed lower activity in brain areas linked to cognitive processing.
These participants also struggled to recall or quote their own writing. In contrast, those who completed essays without AI support showed stronger engagement and memory.
The researchers said their findings highlight the need to examine whether frequent AI use could reduce learning ability over time.
How the Research Was Conducted
The study involved 54 participants from MIT and nearby universities. Researchers recorded brain activity using electroencephalography, or EEG, which measures signals through electrodes placed on the scalp.
Participants used AI for tasks such as summarising questions, finding sources, and correcting grammar. Some also used it to generate ideas, although several users felt AI performed poorly in this area.
Workplace Studies Show Similar Risks
Concerns are not limited to education. A joint study by Carnegie Mellon University and Microsoft examined how AI affects decision-making at work.
The researchers surveyed 319 white-collar workers who used AI tools at least once a week. They analysed 900 examples of tasks given to AI, including data analysis and rule checking.
The study found that higher trust in AI was linked to lower critical thinking effort. Researchers warned that long-term reliance could weaken independent problem-solving skills.
School Students Share Mixed Experiences
A separate study by Oxford University Press surveyed UK schoolchildren. It found that six in ten students believed AI had negatively affected their school-related skills.
At the same time, nine in ten said AI helped them improve at least one skill. These included creativity, revision, or problem-solving. About one quarter said AI made completing work too easy.
Dr Alexandra Tomescu, a generative AI specialist at OUP, said the findings show a mixed picture. She added that many students want clearer guidance on how to use AI properly.
Guidance Still Falls Short
ChatGPT now has more than 800 million weekly users, according to OpenAI chief Sam Altman. The company has published a list of prompts designed to help students learn more effectively.
However, Professor Wayne Holmes from University College London believes this is not enough. He says there is still no independent evidence at scale proving AI tools are safe or effective in education.
He argues that more research is needed before students are encouraged to rely on them.
Better Results but Less Learning?
Professor Holmes points to research on cognitive atrophy. This occurs when skills decline due to over-reliance on tools.
He cites a Harvard Medical School study on radiologists using AI to read X-rays. While AI improved performance for some clinicians, it reduced accuracy for others.
The concern is that students may submit better-looking work while understanding less. As Professor Holmes puts it, output may improve, but learning may suffer.
How AI Should Be Used in Education
Jayna Devani, who leads international education at OpenAI, says the company does not support using ChatGPT to outsource work.
She believes AI works best as a tutor rather than an answer generator. In study mode, the tool can break down complex questions and guide understanding step by step.
This can be helpful when students need support outside normal teaching hours.
The Need for Informed Use
Despite its potential, experts agree AI must be used carefully. Professor Holmes stresses that students should understand how AI systems work and how data is handled.
He also advises checking results and questioning outputs. AI, he says, is not just a more advanced calculator.
Used wisely, AI can support learning. Used blindly, it risks weakening the very skills education aims to build.
