A 26-year-old software engineer in Bengaluru expressed concern about feeling “mentally lazy,” despite no neurological issues. She increasingly relied on AI tools for tasks, leading to a decline in memory, curiosity, and independent thinking. This cognitive disuse mirrors how muscles weaken without exercise, resulting in what’s termed “cognitive debt.” It highlights an alarming trend among young adults who risk impaired mental acuity as they outsource cognitive tasks to AI. The process of forgetting or losing focus begins subtly, affecting daily life. Key methods to enhance cognitive fitness include intentional recall, active participation in thought processes, engaging in mental exercises, and taking regular tech breaks. AI should be a tool to enhance thinking, not a replacement for it. Reinforcing one’s mental faculties is essential for maintaining sharpness in an increasingly automated world. The human brain, designed for complex thought, remains our most powerful processor.
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