Overview
This lecture explored how artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT impact brain health, memory, and cognitive development, with a focus on both potential risks and strategies for maintaining a healthy brain throughout life.
The Impact of AI on Brain Function
- MIT study found a 47% decrease in brain activity when writing with ChatGPT versus unaided writing.
- Users of AI-generated text recall less and feel little ownership over their work.
- Cognitive load (brain effort) decreases with AI reliance, potentially increasing dementia risk due to “use it or lose it.”
- Long-term effects of AI use, especially in children, are still unknown and under-researched.
- Engaging actively with AI (by questioning and refining output) may benefit cognitive skills, while passive use may harm them.
Risks for Children and Early Development
- Early and excessive use of AI and digital devices may weaken developing brains.
- One-on-one interaction with adults is ideal for child cognitive and social growth.
- Parental modeling, abundant spoken language, and attention are crucial for healthy brain development.
Other Threats to Brain Health
- Chronic use of social media, cell phones, and minimal exercise contribute to increased mental health issues in youth.
- SSRI and benzodiazepine use are associated with increased dementia risk.
- Overreliance on GPS/navigation may weaken memory-related brain regions over time.
- Artificial sweeteners and processed foods can negatively affect brain health via inflammation and microbiome changes.
- Chronic background noise subtly increases stress hormones and impairs memory and attention.
Strategies for Brain Health
- Practice “spacing effect”: rehearse information at intervals for long-term memory retention.
- Use AI to amplify, not replace, personal critical thinking and creativity.
- Alternate between AI-assisted and solo problem-solving tasks.
- Regular exercise, sleep, and omega-3 fatty acids are vital for cognitive health.
- Mindful breathing and reducing multitasking can improve attention, memory, and emotional regulation.
- Practice optimism, gratitude, and lifelong learning to reduce dementia risk.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Cognitive Load — The total amount of mental effort being used in the working memory.
- Hippocampus — Brain area involved in memory formation.
- Basal Ganglia — Brain structures important for habit formation and learning by repetition.
- Spacing Effect — Improved memory retention when learning is spread out over time.
- Dopamine — Neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, motivation, and reward.
- Limbic System — Brain region involved in emotion and memory.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids — Nutrients essential for brain and cellular health.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Alternate AI use with traditional learning and problem-solving activities.
- Engage actively with AI tools; ask questions and revise their outputs.
- Prioritize regular exercise, sleep, and a diet rich in omega-3s.
- Practice spaced repetition for studying or memorizing material.
- Limit background noise, multitasking, processed foods, and artificial sweeteners.
- Foster face-to-face interactions, especially with children.
- Reflect regularly: is this activity good or bad for my brain?