Is AI making our brains lazy? Experts warn of 'cognitive atrophy'

Imagine using a motorized scooter for every short trip. Sure, you get there faster, but your legs might forget how to walk properly. Now, replace your legs with your brain and the scooter with ChatGPT—and suddenly, that mental shortcut doesn't seem so harmless.

Recent research and expert analysis suggest that generative AI, like ChatGPT, may be quietly eroding our cognitive muscles. A Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) study used EEG brain scans to monitor students writing essays, says the BBC.

The results? Those leaning on AI showed less activity in critical brain networks—and when asked about their own essays, they could barely quote from them. In other words: faster output, but less actual learning.

The creeping effects of AI reliance aren't just a student problem.

• White-Collar Work: Studies from Carnegie Mellon and Microsoft show that employees who trust AI too much often think less critically. Long-term, this could turn problem-solving skills into a kind of office fossil.

• Education: A UK survey of schoolchildren found that while AI helps with revision, six in 10 students feel it makes tasks "too easy," ultimately weakening their learning.

• Healthcare: Even expert radiologists show mixed results. For some, AI improved performance—but for others, it actually made things worse, leaving researchers scratching their heads.

Professor Wayne Holmes of University College London calls this phenomenon "cognitive atrophy." He highlights a troubling "learning vs. output" gap: students might hand in a perfect essay thanks to AI, but they understand less of the material than if they'd done it themselves.

Experts aren't calling for an AI ban—they just want us to use it smarter. AI should be a tutor, not a crutch. Break down difficult concepts, have a back-and-forth learning dialogue, and always verify what the AI tells you. Otherwise, you might find your mental muscles slowly shrinking while the AI happily does all the heavy lifting.

So next time you're tempted to let ChatGPT do all the thinking, remember: your brain isn't a Tesla. It won't keep itself charged without some exercise.