A recent study from researchers at MIT’s Media Lab has raised concerns about the impact of using chatbots like OpenAI’s ChatGPT on critical thinking abilities, particularly among younger users. The study involved 54 subjects who were asked to write SAT essays using ChatGPT, Google search, or no tool at all. Researchers used EEGs to record brain activity and found that ChatGPT users had the lowest engagement and performed poorly at neural, linguistic, and behavioral levels.
The study’s main author, Nataliya Kosmyna, expressed concern that relying on LLMs (Large Language Models) for schoolwork may harm learning, especially in children. The paper suggests that long-term brain development may be sacrificed as society increasingly relies on AI tools for convenience. Kosmyna believes it’s essential to educate users about how to use these tools properly and promote analog ways of developing their brains.
The study found that the group using ChatGPT delivered essays with low original thought, relying heavily on the chatbot’s responses. In contrast, the brain-only group showed high neural connectivity, especially in alpha, theta, and delta bands associated with creativity ideation, memory load, and semantic processing. The group using Google search also performed well, but with a notable difference in that many users now search for information within AI chatbots rather than Google.
The study’s findings have implications for policymakers and educators. Kosmyna argues that it’s crucial to test AI tools before implementing them in education and promote legislation that encourages responsible use of these technologies. While the study has limitations, including a small sample size, its findings highlight the need for caution when using LLMs in educational settings.
As the debate around AI and critical thinking skills continues, experts like psychiatrist Dr. Zishan Khan warn about unintended psychological and cognitive consequences, particularly among young people whose brains are still developing. The study’s release has sparked discussions about the role of AI in education, and Kosmyna’s team is now working on another paper exploring brain activity in software engineering and programming with or without AI.
Source: https://time.com/7295195/ai-chatgpt-google-learning-school