A MIT Media Lab study, Your Brain on ChatGPT, published June 10, 2025, suggests that prolonged use of ChatGPT for essay writing may weaken critical thinking, memory, and creativity, introducing the concept of “cognitive debt.” Conducted with 54 participants over four months, the study compared three groups writing SAT-style essays: LLM (ChatGPT), Search Engine (Google), and Brain-only (no tools). EEG scans showed LLM users had the lowest neural connectivity (42 Alpha Band connections vs. 79 for Brain-only), with 83% unable to quote their essays and producing less original, homogeneous work.

Key Findings: LLM users showed reduced cognitive engagement, lower recall, and less ownership, often copying AI text. In a fourth session with 18 participants, LLM-to-Brain users struggled with unaided writing, while Brain-to-LLM users used AI strategically, suggesting sequence matters. Human teachers rated AI essays lower, unlike AI judges.

Limitations: The non-peer-reviewed study used a small, Boston-area sample and only ChatGPT, limiting generalizability. Critics argue the “cognitive debt” may reflect task unfamiliarity rather than inherent AI harm.

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Implications: With India’s 900 million internet users, educators must integrate AI thoughtfully, using it to enhance, not replace, critical thinking, similar to calculators’ impact in the 1970s. Starting with unaided work before AI support can preserve cognitive depth.

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