The paper titled “Your Brain on ChatGPT: Accumulation of Cognitive Debt when Using an AI Assistant for Essay Writing Task” examines the neural and behavioral effects of using AI assistants like ChatGPT for essay writing. It involved 54 participants divided into three groups: those using only AI (LLM), those using a search engine, and those using no tools (Brain-only). Over three sessions, EEG data was used to measure cognitive load. In a fourth session, groups swapped tools to assess changes.
Key findings include:
- Brain-only users showed the most robust brain connectivity, while LLM users had the weakest.
- Cognitive activity decreased with tool reliance.
- LLM users reassigned to no-tool sessions showed reduced brain engagement.
- Brain-only users moved to LLM conditions displayed enhanced memory recall.
- LLM users felt less ownership of their essays and had difficulty quoting their work.
The study raises concerns about long-term educational impacts of relying on AI for learning, suggesting potential cognitive costs despite short-term convenience.