AI usage linked to reduced cognitive perseverance and concentration

A new study involving over 1,000 participants suggests that even brief exposure to artificial intelligence can significantly diminish a person's ability to concentrate and persevere through difficult tasks. Researchers from institutions including UC Berkeley, MIT, and Oxford conducted three online experiments using ChatGPT to observe how reliance on the tool affects performance in mathematics and reading comprehension.

In one experiment, participants who used AI to solve math problems saw a sharp decline in accuracy and persistence once the tool was removed. Those who had relied on AI correctly solved only 57 percent of problems in the final unassisted phase, compared to 73 percent for the control group. The researchers suggest that delegating mental work to AI may weaken cognitive capacity, as users become accustomed to instant answers, making independent reflection feel slow and inefficient.

In response to similar concerns regarding cognitive decline—often termed ‘brain rot’—the company Dropbox is exploring cognitive training exercises and screen-free offsites. The company aims to mitigate the risk of employees losing critical judgment and mental stamina when delegating tasks to AI software.