AI Induces Cognitive Debt Reducing Human Creativity

An MIT four-month experiment found that heavy use of large language models reduced neural connectivity, originality, and memory among participants; 54 started and only 18 completed four sessions. EEG scans showed LLM users performed worse on psychological and behavioral measures, while brain-only participants developed stronger recall and ownership. Researchers warn 'cognitive debt' from over-reliance on AI can erode critical thinking but may be mitigated by teaching core skills first.