Archive · 22 Dec 2025
AI Use May Harm Human Cognitive Skills
Some scientists are worried that using AI too much might make our brains work less.
They did studies and found that people who use AI for writing or problem-solving might not think as much on their own.
This could make it harder for them to learn and solve problems without AI.
Some students also feel that AI is making it harder for them to do well in school.
Experts say we need more research to understand how AI affects learning.
MIT study found reduced brain activity in cognitive processing when using AI for writing.
Carnegie Mellon-Microsoft study showed decreased critical thinking with high AI tool reliance.
UK survey found 60% of students felt AI negatively impacted their schoolwork skills.
Experts warn of potential long-term overreliance on AI and diminished problem-solving skills.
More academic research is needed to understand the effects of AI tools on learning.
- Who
- Researchers from MIT, Carnegie Mellon University, Microsoft, and Oxford University Press
- What
- Studies on the impact of AI on human cognitive skills
- When
- Studies released earlier this year and in October
- Where
- United States and United Kingdom
- Why
- To explore the potential decline in learning and problem-solving skills due to AI reliance
- Study Institutions
- MIT, Carnegie Mellon University, Microsoft, Oxford University Press
- MIT Study Participants
- 54 participants from MIT and nearby universities
- Carnegie Mellon-Microsoft Study Participants
- 319 white-collar workers using AI tools weekly
- UK Schoolchildren Survey
- 60% of students felt AI negatively impacted their skills
- ChatGPT Users
- Over 800 million weekly active users