Survey: 27% of Americans say they turn to AI chatbots like ChatGPT for personal, emotional, or social queries, rising to nearly 40% among adults under 50 (Washington Post)

Artificial intelligence's integration into daily life has sparked discussions on the impact of relying on generative tools, such as ChatGPT, on the human mind. A recent study published in Applied Cognitive Psychology warns that excessive use of ChatGPT may lead to reduced critical thinking, weakened memory, and social isolation. However, the researchers also highlight that intentional use of the software can enhance creativity and reasoning abilities.

The study follows a growing trend of popular text-generating software, with ChatGPT gaining over 180 million active users. Initially launched to one million users in just a week, ChatGPT is now widely used for various tasks, from drafting emails to solving programming issues. As these tools become part of daily routines, researchers seek to understand their psychological and cognitive effects.

Dr. Zeineb Farhat, a researcher at ISC Paris, initiated the study to investigate the consequences of habitual and dependent use of generative software. While prior research has focused on the educational and professional benefits, Farhat aimed to document the potential downsides of outsourcing mental effort and emotional support to machines.

Drawing on psychological theories about cognitive offloading and basic human needs for autonomy, competence, and social connection, Farhat designed her research to explore how constant access to an AI assistant might alter these processes.

The study involved 45 young adults aged 18 to 25, who all interacted with ChatGPT daily. Semi-structured interviews, lasting 45 to 60 minutes, explored how participants used the software, its impact on their study or work habits, and its emotional effects. The researchers analyzed the interview transcripts to identify common themes in participants' experiences.

The findings indicated that heavy reliance on the software often discouraged independent thought, with users reporting intellectual laziness and shorter attention spans. They also experienced difficulty retaining information, as they externalized their memory by relying on ChatGPT for facts instead of practicing active recall. Dr. Farhat noted that such heavy use weakened participants' sense of autonomy and self-trust, leading them to second-guess their judgments and seek validation from the AI for simple decisions.

Additionally, the study uncovered shifts in social behavior, with participants increasingly turning to the software for ideas and companionship instead of engaging with peers or teachers. This preference sometimes resulted in feelings of social isolation, as users lost the habit of having deep conversations with others. Some participants even began to project human-like traits onto ChatGPT, treating it as a friend, which, while offering temporary comfort, substituted genuine human connection with a machine response.

Despite the negative findings, the study also revealed constructive uses of the software. Some users treated ChatGPT as a collaborative tool, using it to handle tedious tasks and freeing up mental energy for complex reasoning. By using the program as a brainstorming aid or to overcome writer's block, these individuals enhanced their confidence and reduced anxiety about challenging tasks.

However, the researchers remind that the study, based on qualitative interviews with a specific demographic, cannot be generalized broadly.