ChatGPT's Impact on Our Brains: Balancing Concerns with Practical Solutions

With generative AI tools like ChatGPT becoming more deeply integrated into classrooms and workplaces, new research is raising concerns about what we might be giving up in return: our brainpower. This academic year, high school history teacher Jeanne Barr notes that students' use of ChatGPT has become ubiquitous.

“Some students are making poor choices—shortcutting the thinking process and denying their brains the opportunity to build capacity,” Barr said.

A recent study from the MIT Media Lab suggests frequent use of large language models like ChatGPT could be linked to measurable cognitive decline. The study found that participants who used ChatGPT “consistently underperformed at neural, linguistic, and behavioral levels.” They coined the term “cognitive debt” to describe the lag in brain activity when relying heavily on AI to think for us.

“Offloading your thinking to AI means your brain is going to be less active,” said Robbie Torney, Senior Director of AI Programs for Common Sense Media. “But that doesn’t mean it’s inherently bad. It means we need to be really smart about how we use the tool.”

Barr warns that students are often secretive about using ChatGPT, aware it's frowned upon. However, she says the temptation to use it is high, especially in a culture where academic perfection is prized.

“We need to praise the imperfect,” Barr said. “AI doesn’t allow for joyful mistakes. The real satisfaction of creating something beautiful doesn’t come from a shortcut.”

The lack of regulation around AI use in K-12 classrooms leaves educators in a gray zone. Some schools ban AI use outright, while others integrate it carefully. Barr argues that blanket bans are the wrong approach.

“Teachers are incredibly creative,” she said. “We’re always trying to bring lessons alive. I don’t want to see blanket restrictions—just thoughtful implementation.”

Torney agrees, emphasizing the importance of local context and needs in determining AI use. He notes that each school district has its own unique mission, vision, and goals.

The MIT study is still awaiting peer review, but its early release reflects a growing concern among researchers about the potential long-term impacts of relying on AI for cognitive tasks.