Are AI Tools Like ChatGPT Making Us Mentally Lazy? MIT Thinks So
We all know AI tools like ChatGPT are everywhere now. They've made writing easier, faster, and sometimes even fun. But a recent study from MIT made me stop and think: are we becoming too dependent on AI? And what does that mean for how we actually learn?
The study, which TIME broke down in a really thoughtful way, involved 54 participants between the ages of 18 and 39. They were asked to write SAT-style essays under three conditions:
- One group used ChatGPT
- Another used Google
- The last group wrote using just their brain, no tools at all
As they wrote, researchers tracked their brain activity using EEG scans.
Here's what they found.
The ChatGPT group showed the lowest brain activity. That means less creativity, less memory recall, and less language processing. People who used Google did a little better, but still fell short compared to those writing without any tools. The group that didn't use AI or search engines? They showed the strongest brain engagement, especially in areas tied to motivation and complex thinking.
It gets even more interesting. Over time, the people using ChatGPT started relying on it more and more. They copied and pasted content instead of thinking through their arguments. And when they were later asked to recreate their essays without help, they struggled to remember what they'd written. It's like their brains had checked out during the process.
This isn't some anti-tech rant. I use ChatGPT too, especially when I'm brainstorming or trying to break through writer's block. But this study really drove home the idea that there's a cost to convenience, and we might not see it until it's too late.
When students use AI without structure or reflection, they're not just saving time. They might be skipping the thinking that makes writing valuable in the first place.
And that's why I built LoomaEdu.
Instead of punishing students after they've submitted something, Looma shows teachers how a student writes, not just the final product. We track behavior during the writing process so educators can identify when a student is struggling, when they're making progress, or when something feels off.
It's a tool designed to support thinking, not replace it.
With Looma, students are still expected to write and think for themselves, but we give teachers the clarity to guide them more effectively. There's no guessing, no punitive false positives, just a clear picture of how learning is actually happening.
If we want students to grow as thinkers in a world full of shortcuts, we need tools that bring visibility into the process and keep the brain in the driver's seat. That's exactly what Looma is here to do.
Want to help students write better without burning out your brain or theirs?
Explore LoomaEdu at loomaedu.com. You can get started with a free trial or reach out to see how it fits into your school's existing workflows. We're building something that supports real learning, not just surveillance.