Study warns overreliance on AI tools may impair cognitive skills

A small-scale study published in the journal Applied Cognitive Psychology suggests that excessive reliance on AI tools like ChatGPT could lead to a decline in independent thinking, increased self-doubt, and heightened social isolation. The research, conducted by Zeineb Farhat from the ISC Business School in Paris, interviewed 45 individuals aged 18 to 25 who use ChatGPT daily. Participants reported shorter attention spans, reduced memory retention, and greater uncertainty in decision-making. Some expressed anxiety when ChatGPT was unavailable. Researchers linked these effects to cognitive offloading, where users depend on external tools for information processing. However, those who used ChatGPT selectively as a brainstorming aid reported improved confidence and creativity. The study, limited to a small French sample, calls for broader, long-term research to assess AI’s impact on human cognition and social behavior. Farhat emphasized that the findings cannot be generalized to other demographics. The study highlights both potential risks and benefits of AI integration, urging further investigation into its long-term effects on cognitive and social development.