AI Overreliance
Artificial intelligence has quickly become a commonly used tool in education, offering students quick access to information, writing assistance, and idea generation. However, overreliance on AI can negatively impact your critical thinking and learning skills when it replaces your own effort. A recent MIT study, titled “Your Brain on ChatGPT,” explored the cognitive effects of using AI models such as ChatGPT in essay writing tasks over a four-month period.
Researchers divided participants into three groups: a group using ChatGPT, a Search Engine group, and a brain-only group that completed essays without external tools. By using EEG scans, interviews, and essay analysis, the researchers examined participants’ brain activity, memory recall, and cognitive engagement. The results showed clear differences between the three groups. Those who relied on ChatGPT demonstrated the weakest neural connectivity and the lowest levels of cognitive engagement. They also struggled to recall or quote parts of essays they had written only minutes earlier, suggesting reduced ownership and understanding of their work. In contrast, the Brain-only group showed the strongest brain activity and the highest engagement levels.
Interestingly, when the Brain-only group used ChatGPT later on in the experiment, researchers saw higher memory and increased brain engagement. This suggests that AI itself is not harmful; rather, the problem comes from depending on it too heavily. When used responsibly, AI can support brainstorming, research, and learning without replacing human thought. However, when used irresponsibly, it can harm independent thought and curiosity. Ultimately, AI should be viewed as a tool to strengthen intelligence and creativity, not substitute them.
This is precisely the focus of AI SMART. We want to equip students with the awareness and skills to use AI as a tool that enhances learning rather than replaces it. Through our advocacy and education efforts, AI SMART encourages students to take ownership of their thinking while leveraging AI thoughtfully to deepen understanding, foster creativity, and support long-term academic growth.
If you’d like to read more about the MIT study, you can do so here.
