Smart tech: Good, bad or ugly?

Mindless use of AI tools is a serious concern, especially among young adopters

- SUDHIR CHOWDHARY

ARE CHATGPT, GEMINI, and similar AI tools making us think less—or are they making us think differently? The MIT study, "Your Brain on Chat-GPT," by Nataliya Kosmyna and other researchers, raises a valid question. It suggests that over-reliance on Chat-GPT and similar large language models (LLMs) may erode critical thinking skills, memory and creativity, especially in younger users. But is the issue really about using AI, or how we use it? Experts feel the path forward demands a mindful and disciplined integration of these powerful tools, ensuring they remain aids to human ingenuity, fostering deeper thought and original expression, not substitutes for it.

Jaspreet Bindra, founder: AI&Beyond, India and Tech Whisperer, UK, said, "The MIT study is a timely warning, saying that heavy Chat-GPT users showed up to 55% lower brain engagement and poorer memory recall, even denying ownership of their own words. This suggests that while AI tools boost convenience, they risk dulling critical thinking."