Generative AI rapidly entered work, study, and personal life since 2022, accelerating research and content creation. Adoption of generative AI tools has outpaced historical technology uptake such as the Internet and PCs. Experts warn that rapid adoption carries ethical risks, bias, and the potential for overreliance on machines. A study measured brain activity of 54 students writing essays with ChatGPT, Google, or no assistance, using electrodes to track connectivity. After three sessions, unaided writers showed the highest mental connectivity while ChatGPT-assisted writers showed the lowest, suggesting reduced cognitive effort when relying on generative AI. A fourth session reversed tool access between groups.
Since ChatGPT's debut in 2022, generative AI quickly entered our work, study, and personal lives, helping to speed up research, content creation, and more at an unprecedented rate. Enthusiasm for generative AI tools has understandably gained traction experiencing an even faster adoption rate than the Internet or PCs, but experts warn we should proceed with caution. As with every new technology, generative AI can launch society forward in a number of ways, but it can also bring consequences if left unchecked.
Here's what actually happened: Researchers gave 54 Boston-area students an essay task. One group used ChatGPT, another used Google (without the help of AI), and the third had to write using nothing but their brains. While they wrote, their brain activity was measured using electrodes. After three sessions, the brain-only group showed the highest levels of mental connectivity. ChatGPT users? The lowest. It seemed the AI-assisted folks were cruising on autopilot while the others had to think harder to get words on the page.
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