Recent studies have highlighted a concerning trend where excessive use of AI tools and social media is associated with diminished cognitive abilities among youth, a phenomenon dubbed "brain rot."
What Happened
Academic research, including experiments from the Wharton School and MIT, has demonstrated that relying on AI chatbots like ChatGPT for tasks such as writing essays results in lower brain activity, reduced information retention, and generic outputs compared to traditional research methods. For instance, in an MIT study involving college students, those using ChatGPT could not recall their own essays just minutes after completion, while non-tech users recited large portions verbatim. Additionally, a UCSF study of over 6,500 youths aged 9-13 found that daily social media use of 1-3+ hours correlated with lower scores in reading, memory, and vocabulary. National reading scores for U.S. eighth graders and high school seniors hit record lows this year, coinciding with increased screen time post-COVID, according to The New York Times.
Why
The passive nature of AI and social media interactions reduces active mental engagement, leading to cognitive declines. AI tools automate synthesis and evaluation, shifting users to mere consumption, which stifles learning and ownership. Social media displaces enriching activities like reading or sleeping, crucial for development. Historical parallels exist, but current evidence, amplified by post-COVID screen surges, points to a stronger link.
Expert Opinion
Shiri Melumad from the Wharton School expressed alarm, stating she's "pretty frightened" about younger people losing traditional research skills, recommending mindful AI use for specific facts rather than broad topics. Nataliya Kosmyna from MIT noted that AI users lack ownership, questioning, "If you don’t remember what you wrote, you don’t feel ownership. Do you even care?" and called for more research. Jason Nagata from UCSF emphasized that social media steals time from beneficial activities, advising screen-free zones.
What to Expect
Ongoing cognitive declines among youth are anticipated if passive AI and social media use persists, potentially worsening educational outcomes. However, using AI as a revision tool after independent effort could enhance learning. Expect more school bans on devices and calls for balanced guidelines to mitigate risks while leveraging benefits.