Researchers at MIT’s Media Lab have issued a stark warning: over-reliance on ChatGPT may undermine crucial mental faculties like memory, critical thinking, and engagement. In the study, 54 college-aged users were assigned SAT-style essay tasks under three conditions: using ChatGPT, using Google, or writing unaided. Throughout, brain activity was monitored via EEG scans.

The results showed those using ChatGPT consistently exhibited the weakest neural engagement—especially in memory and executive function areas—and produced less creative, more formulaic essays. Students often offloaded the work entirely to the AI, becoming progressively disengaged by the third essay. In contrast, participants writing without AI demonstrated stronger brain connectivity, better recall, and greater ownership of their work .

Moreover, when the unaided group later used AI, they showed sustained brain activity, suggesting balanced AI use can support learning. However, those transitioning from AI to solo writing continued to show reduced cognitive engagement.

Experts say these findings illuminate potential “cognitive debt” from overusing AI, urging users to integrate tools like ChatGPT intentionally—as assistants, not substitutes for thinking.