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3d ago

MIT Preprint Links ChatGPT Use to ‘Cognitive Debt’ and Draws Scrutiny

The study’s preliminary EEG findings have prompted proposals for AI literacy programs alongside demands for peer-reviewed validation.

To ChatGPT or not to ChatGPT? Recent research struck a chord with educators struggling with widespread AI use to write essays
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A recent viral study suggested that students who use ChatGPT to write essays engage in less critical thinking

Overview

  • Researchers at MIT’s Media Lab measured brain activity in 54 adults and found those using ChatGPT for essays exhibited lower neural connectivity and recall compared with search engine and brain-only groups.
  • A fourth session swapping tools showed participants who started with ChatGPT maintained reduced cognitive engagement even when writing without AI, hinting at possible lasting effects.
  • Lead author Nataliya Kosmyna cautions that only 18 participants completed the final session and notes the paper remains an unreviewed preprint requiring further testing.
  • University instructors describe ChatGPT-generated essays as “soulless” and report widespread student reliance, prompting calls for AI literacy curricula and revised examination formats.
  • Neuroscientist Ashley Juavinett and other critics argue the small sample size and study design lack sufficient methodological rigour and urge larger, peer-reviewed investigations.