A new study by MIT’s Media Lab has found that relying on artificial intelligence chatbots to write essays comes with cognitive costs, including lower brain activity and less original writing. In a study involving 54 participants between the ages of 18 and 39, researchers analyzed the effects of using ChatGPT, online browsers, or no tools at all.
The study used three groups: those who relied solely on ChatGPT to write their essays, those who used only online browsers, and those who wrote with no outside tools. Participants were given 20 minutes to complete an essay from one of nine unique prompts, and brain activity was measured using a Neuoelectrics Enobio 32 headset.
The results showed that participants who relied solely on ChatGPT displayed the weakest brain activity, with 55% reduced compared to those who used no tools. In contrast, participants who used only search engines had higher eye activity than those who used ChatGPT, even though both groups were working digitally.
The study’s findings have implications for how we use AI in education and information-gathering. While AI can provide unprecedented opportunities for learning and access, its impact on cognitive development, critical thinking, and intellectual independence demands further research.
To build on this study, future research should focus on the long-term effects of AI chatbots on cognitive activity and explore their use in more generalized tasks outside of traditional educational environments.
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/tech/2025/06/20/chatgpt-artificial-intelligence-mit-brain-activity-study/84285928007