User Login Search Search Nav Nav Find People, Projects, etc. Search Login Register Email: Password: Work for a Member organization and forgot your password? Work for a Member organization and need a Member Portal account? Register here with your official email address. Register a Member Account News + Updates Research About Support the Media Lab MAS Graduate Program People Events Videos Member Portal For Press + Media Publication Your Brain on ChatGPT: Accumulation of Cognitive Debt when Using an AI Assistant for Essay Writing Task Research June 10, 2025 People Nataliya Kos'myna Research Scientist Projects Your Brain on ChatGPT Groups Media Lab Research Theme: Life with AI Share this publication Nataliya Kosmyna, Eugene Hauptmann, Ye Tong Yuan, Jessica Situ, Xian-Hao Liao, Ashly Vivian Beresnitzky, Iris Braunstein, and Pattie Maes. "Your brain on chatgpt: Accumulation of cognitive debt when using an ai assistant for essay writing task." arXiv preprint arXiv:2506.08872 (2025). Abstract This study explores the neural and behavioral consequences of LLM-assisted essay writing. Participants were divided into three groups: LLM, Search Engine, and Brain-only (no tools). Each completed three sessions under the same condition. In a fourth session, LLM users were reassigned to Brain-only group (LLM-to-Brain), and Brain-only users were reassigned to LLM condition (Brain-to-LLM). A total of 54 participants took part in Sessions 1-3, with 18 completing session 4. We used electroencephalography (EEG) to assess cognitive load during essay writing, and analyzed essays using NLP, as well as scoring essays with the help from human teachers and an AI judge. Across groups, NERs, n-gram patterns, and topic ontology showed within-group homogeneity. EEG revealed significant differences in brain connectivity: Brain-only participants exhibited the strongest, most distributed networks; Search Engine users showed moderate engagement; and LLM users displayed the weakest connectivity. Cognitive activity scaled down in relation to external tool use. In session 4, LLM-to-Brain participants showed reduced alpha and beta connectivity, indicating under-engagement. Brain-to-LLM users exhibited higher memory recall and activation of occipito-parietal and prefrontal areas, similar to Search Engine users. Self-reported ownership of essays was the lowest in the LLM group and the highest in the Brain-only group. LLM users also struggled to accurately quote their own work. While LLMs offer immediate convenience, our findings highlight potential cognitive costs. Over four months, LLM users consistently underperformed at neural, linguistic, and behavioral levels. These results raise concerns about the long-term educational implications of LLM reliance and underscore the need for deeper inquiry into AI's role in learning. via https://arxiv.org/abs/2506.08872 Related Content Post Research Media Lab Brain Study on ChatGPT Sparks Global Media Coverage From CNN to The New Yorker, international outlets spotlight Nataliya Kos’myna’s research on how AI tools affect cognitive function. June 24, 2025 in Fluid Interfaces · Media Lab Research Theme: Life with AI Article Research CNN: AI's Effects On The Brain Study: Using AI Could Cost You Brainpower via CNN · June 20, 2025 in Fluid Interfaces #human-computer interaction #artificial intelligence Article Research Is Using ChatGPT to Write Your Essay Bad for Your Brain? New MIT Study Explained Does ChatGPT harm critical thinking abilities? A new study from researchers at MIT’s Media Lab has returned some concerning results. via Time · June 25, 2025 in Fluid Interfaces #human-computer interaction #artificial intelligence Article Research Brain Experts WARNING: Watch This Before Using ChatGPT Again! The evolutionary reason why ChatGPT is dangerous for your brain. via YouTube · Aug. 18, 2025 in Fluid Interfaces #human-computer interaction #artificial intelligence News + Updates Research About Support the Media Lab MAS Graduate Program People Events Videos Member Portal For Press + Media More ways to explore Videos Publications Job Opportunities Contact Massachusetts Institute of Technology School of Architecture + Planning Accessibility Donate to the Lab
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Исследование изучает влияние использования LLM на написание эссе, обнаруживая, что постоянное использование LLM приводит к снижению когнитивной активности, ухудшению связности мозга и снижению способности к самостоятельному мышлению. Участники, использующие LLM, показали более низкий уровень активности мозга и трудности с самооценкой своих работ, в то время как те, кто использовал LLM в перерыве, показали улучшенные результаты, близкие к результатам, полученным при использовании поисковых систем. Результаты подчеркивают потенциальные негативные последствия длительного использования LLM для когнитивных функций и обучения.
