A new MIT Media Lab study finds that using ChatGPT to write SAT-style essays may weaken critical thinking, memory, and creativity in students. In tests with those relying on ChatGPT showed the lowest brain activity and produced repetitive, formulaic responses, often resorting to copy-paste.

In contrast, students who wrote unaided or used Google search demonstrated more neural engagement and greater satisfaction.

The study, published in TIME Magazine also found that students who wrote first and then used ChatGPT had stronger brain responses. Lead author Nataliya Kosmyna released the research early to encourage public dialogue before policymakers widely adopt AI in education. She cautioned that unchecked use of AI tools in schools could turn learning into “GPT kindergarten,” stifling intellectual development.