A recent study from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) reveals that using large language models like ChatGPT can lower cognitive effort during writing tasks and may hinder future cognitive performance. The research involved participants writing essays under three conditions: unaided, using Google Search, and utilizing ChatGPT. Brain activity was tracked with electroencephalography (EEG) to assess cognitive load, showing that those writing without technology exhibited the highest neural activity, while ChatGPT users demonstrated the least. Interestingly, AI-assisted essays were more uniform, but participants struggled with summarizing or recalling their work compared to those who wrote independently. Over four months, it was found that reliance on AI led to poorer neural, linguistic, and scoring outcomes. The study warns of potential risks in relying on AI as it may diminish critical thinking and memory retention skills. Researchers stress the need for further investigation as AI prevalence in education and work increases.
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