If you use too much ChatGPT, you may be putting your health at risk for these reasons

There’s possibly a new reason to worry about your screen time, and not just doomscrolling. A fresh study from MIT’s Media Lab suggests overusing ChatGPT may dull your brain’s wiring.

Alone, Google and ChatGPT variables

In the experiment, 54 participants wrote SAT-style essays over several months. One group had to do it alone, another used Google Search, and a third used ChatGPT. Researchers used EEGs to track brain activity across 32 regions, and the results were consistent – and a little grim for AI fans.

Writing with AI

The ChatGPT group showed the weakest brain connectivity by far. They also scored lower on essay quality and struggled to recall what they’d written. Even when ChatGPT users were later asked to write without it, their brains stayed disengaged. One researcher called it “cognitive debt” – the brain just stopped trying as hard.

Writing on your own

Meanwhile, those who wrote without any tools had the most active brains. Strong alpha and theta waves indicated deeper thought, better memory, and more creative processing. These participants also said they felt more ownership over their work.

Writing with search

The Google group landed in the middle, showing that traditional search might help thinking without replacing it. But ChatGPT, according to the study, made people so reliant on convenience that they simply stopped learning.

Lead author Nataliya Kosmyna said she fast-tracked publication because she’s worried about AI being introduced too early in education. “Developing brains are at the highest risk,” she warned.

While the study hasn’t been peer-reviewed yet and had a relatively small sample size, its message is clear: if you’re using ChatGPT for every assignment or email, your brain may be quietly checking out... especially if you’re in your younger years.

Go on, give thinking for yourself a go. It’s much more rewarding!

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