If you also use ChatGPT or any AI tool like it excessively, then there is a warning for you. We are saying this because ChatGPT is making people stupid. New research from MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) has raised the question of whether generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT, are slowing down the thinking ability of students. According to this study, students who use ChatGPT more are using their brains less, which is affecting their critical thinking and ability to understand deeply.

What happened in the study?

MIT Media Lab divided 54 participants aged 18 to 39 into three groups which were the group using ChatGPT, the group using Google search, and the group not using any digital tool. Everyone was asked to write SAT-style essays and the activity of 32 places of their brain was recorded with an EEG machine.

What were the results?

Students using ChatGPT showed minimal brain activity. They were unable to think on their own or adapt ChatGPT's answers to their language or thoughts. Most simply copied and pasted. Students who were working without any tools showed the highest activity in their brains, especially in areas related to creativity, memory, and deep thinking. Those using Google search also showed high brain engagement, indicating that traditional Internet search still stimulates the thinking process.

When the tools were changed

Later all the students were asked to write the same essay again, but this time the tools were changed. Those who were previously using ChatGPT had to write without any help and could not even remember their first essay properly. On the other hand, those who were previously writing without tools, showed better understanding and engagement when they used ChatGPT. Researchers believe that while AI tools like ChatGPT can boost productivity, if students don’t adopt the thinking process themselves, their long-term learning ability and brain development could be affected.

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