Overview

• A preprint from MIT Media Lab found students writing essays with ChatGPT showed the weakest EEG-measured brain connectivity compared to those using Google Search or no online tools.
• Researchers at Wharton School surveyed over 4,500 participants and determined that chatbot users developed shallower knowledge and provided less original advice than standard web search users.
• Participants who relied on ChatGPT demonstrated poorer recall of their own text minutes after writing, illustrating a ‘cognitive off-loading’ effect.
• Scientists warn that the MIT findings are preliminary, citing small sample sizes and lack of peer review, and critics contend that reduced neural activity may reflect processing efficiency rather than impairment.
• Educational experts recommend blending AI assistance with handwritten tasks and device-free assignments to maintain deep learning, memory retention and critical thinking.