A recent study conducted by MIT Media Lab raises concerns about the cognitive effects of the use of chatgpt. According to researchers, the use of this type of generative artificial intelligence could reduce brain engagement and weaken critical thinking, especially among young people.
The experience was carried out on a sample of 54 participants aged 18 to 39, divided into three groups. Each had to write SAT type tests using either chatgpt or google or any tool. The brain activity of the subjects was measured using an EEG on 32 areas of the brain. Result: the group having used Chatgpt presented the lowest neuronal mobilization, with lower performance on the cognitive, linguistic and behavioral levels.
Over the tests, Chatgpt users have tended to delegate their AI task more and more, frequently using copy and paste. The productions lacked originality, according to two English teachers, who judged them “soulless” and repetitive. The electroencephalograms have confirmed low executive control and a drop in attention.
Conversely, participants who have written without any help showed a significantly richer brain activity, especially in alpha, theta and delta bands, associated with memory, creativity and semantic treatment. This group also expressed more curiosity and satisfaction with its writings.
The group using Google also displayed notable involvement, although slightly lower than the group without help. A relevant observation at a time when AI is increasingly supplanting traditional search engines.
During a final phase, participants had to rewrite one of their previous trials: those who used Chatgpt had this time, while the group “brain alone” could call on AI. Result: the former remembered little of their texts, with a low activation of the areas linked to deep memory. The study concludes that, if the tool is effective, it does not promote cognitive integration.
On the other hand, those who had written without assistance initially benefited from a notable cognitive gain after the introduction of AI, suggesting that a thoughtful and complementary use could strengthen learning.
Research on the cognitive effects of AI is still at their beginnings. If some studies, like that carried out by Harvard in May, point to an improvement in productivity, they also reveal a drop in motivation. The MIT, for its part, recently distant from another unorned article, claiming that AI could revolutionize professional productivity.
