Growing Dependence on AI and Its Impact on Human Thinking
When was the last time you asked an AI chatbot to complete a task for you? You may have used it to prepare an essay outline for a complex question, analyse a large set of data, or check whether your résumé or cover letter matches a specific job description. Today, artificial intelligence tools have become deeply integrated into daily academic and professional work. While these tools undoubtedly save time and improve efficiency, several experts are increasingly worried that outsourcing thinking-intensive tasks to AI may reduce mental effort. Their concern is that excessive dependence on AI could weaken essential human skills such as critical thinking, logical reasoning, and independent problem-solving.
MIT Study Highlights Reduced Cognitive Engagement
Earlier this year, researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) published a study that added weight to these concerns. The study found that individuals who used ChatGPT to write essays showed lower levels of brain activity linked to cognitive processing during the task. According to the researchers, these findings raise “serious concerns about a possible decline in learning abilities.” The study involved 54 participants from MIT and nearby universities. Their brain activity was measured using electroencephalography (EEG), a scientific technique that records electrical signals in the brain through electrodes placed on the scalp. Participants used AI tools to summarise essay topics, search for reference material, and improve grammar, tone, and writing style. While AI was also used to generate and organise ideas, some participants felt that the tool lacked depth and originality in this area, indicating that human judgment still plays a vital role.
Workplace Studies Show Similar Risks
Concerns about over-reliance on AI are not limited to academic environments. A separate study conducted by Carnegie Mellon University in collaboration with Microsoft, which operates the AI tool Copilot, examined the effects of AI usage in the workplace. Researchers surveyed 319 white-collar professionals who use AI tools at least once a week. They analysed nearly 900 tasks assigned to AI, including data analysis, rule verification, and decision support. The study revealed a clear pattern: the more people trusted AI to complete tasks accurately, the less they engaged in independent critical thinking. Researchers warned that although generative AI can improve productivity and speed, it may reduce deep engagement with work. Over time, this could lead to weaker problem-solving abilities and reduced confidence in one’s own judgment.
Mixed Impact on Students and the Need for Guidance
Similar trends have been observed among students in the United Kingdom. A study published by Oxford University Press in October found that six out of ten students believed AI had negatively affected their academic skills. However, the picture is not entirely negative. Dr Alexandra Tomescu, a generative AI expert at Oxford University Press, noted that nine out of ten students also reported improvement in at least one area, such as creativity, revision, or problem-solving. At the same time, nearly one-fourth of students felt that AI made schoolwork too easy, reducing meaningful effort. This highlights the complex and balanced nature of AI’s impact. According to ChatGPT CEO Sam Altman, the platform now has more than 800 million weekly users worldwide. While initiatives such as releasing prompt guides for students are helpful, experts like Professor Wayne Holmes from University College London argue that this is not enough. He stresses the urgent need for large-scale, independent academic research to clearly understand AI’s long-term impact on education, learning quality, and student safety—especially in countries like India, where digital adoption is growing rapidly.
