ISLAMABAD – A recent study examining heavy reliance on AI chatbots like ChatGPT has raised concerns that excessive use could dull human cognitive functions—particularly critical thinking, memory recall, and originality.
Researchers monitored a group of students tasked with using ChatGPT for writing, homework, and decision-making over several weeks. Findings suggest that those relying heavily on AI for answers showed declines in their ability to analyze information independently and struggled to remember facts they hadn’t committed to memory.
Experts warn this overdependence could create a mental shortcut of always turning to AI rather than engaging the brain’s problem-solving muscles. They point out that while chatbots are powerful tools, habitual use risks eroding creativity and analytical skills over time.
Advisors recommend a balanced approach: use ChatGPT to support brainstorming or research—but follow up with personal reflection, manual reasoning, and discussion. Simply accepting AI outputs without engaging the mind could make users mentally passive.
Educational strategists are also advocating for schools to teach AI literacy—guiding students when and how to use these tools effectively while reinforcing independent thinking and memory exercises.
The study concludes that AI tools offer vast potential—if used wisely. But over-reliance may weaken the intellectual processes they were designed to augment.
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