From the moment OpenAI released the chatbot, there’s been a mix of curiosity and concern over just how powerful it really is and what it might mean for us in the long run.
And honestly, who hasn’t had a passing thought about Terminator becoming reality at this point?
A new study from the MIT Media Lab has revealed some alarming findings about how this technology might be affecting our brains.
In the study, researchers asked 54 people between the ages of 18 and 39, all based in Boston, to write several SAT-style essays over the course of four months. Participants were split into three groups. One group was allowed to use ChatGPT, another used Google Search, and the third had to rely solely on their own brainpower—no AI or search engines allowed.
Across the board, the ChatGPT group showed the lowest levels of brain activity. Researchers noted they also underperformed consistently across several markers—neural, linguistic, and behavioral.
Over time, these users got even more passive. By the end of the trial, many were simply copying and pasting content directly from ChatGPT instead of putting thought into their writing.
So what does all of this really mean for us moving forward?
Lead researcher Nataliya Kosmyna pointed out that using AI tools might have lasting effects, especially when it comes to brain development over time.
The EEG data revealed that the AI group had low levels of executive control and focus. By the time they were on their third essay, many had stopped trying to think for themselves, letting ChatGPT do almost everything.
On the other hand, the group who didn’t use any digital assistance had the strongest brain activity overall. Their scans lit up in areas tied to creativity, memory, and the ability to process meaning. They also showed higher levels of interest and curiosity throughout the writing process.
By the end of the study, many of them couldn’t even remember what they had written about. Kosmyna explained this by saying: “The task was executed, and you could say that it was efficient and convenient. But as we show in the paper, you basically didn’t integrate any of it into your memory networks.”
She also emphasized that when it comes to young students and their growing minds, “Education on how we use these tools, and promoting the fact that your brain does need to develop in a more analog way, is absolutely critical.”
Once the study results started spreading online, it didn’t take long for people to weigh in. Many were quick to criticize both the rise of AI tools and the folks who lean too heavily on them.
One user on X put it bluntly: “We are in a battle for our humanity here and y’all are willing to melt your brains to not have to think about writing a couple emails.”
Another user sarcastically chimed in with: “NPCs gonna NPC.”