As generative AI booms in popularity, researchers are eager to study the effects of such tools. Previous studies have suggested that overdependency on ChatGPT and similar tools leads to addictive behaviors and hurts well-being, atrophies critical thinking, and causes loneliness.
Now, another study highlights the risks of LLM (large language model) tools such as ChatGPT. MIT Media Lab researchers found that using ChatGPT and similar tools to write essays resulted in lower brain activity. The study, titled "Your Brain on ChatGPT: Accumulation of Cognitive Debt when Using an AI Assistant for Essay Writing Task," also suggests that those who relied on AI tools got worse at writing essays when asked to perform that task without the assistance of ChatGPT or similar tools.
