MIT Study: What Happens to Your Brain When You Write with ChatGPT

Recently, MIT researchers tested how writing changes when students use ChatGPT, a search engine, or just their own brains.

The results show AI can boost detail but reduce originality, memory, and even brain activity. Researchers warn of “cognitive debt,” the long-term cost of outsourcing too much thinking to AI.

Key Findings (#5 and #7 are critical):

1. More Specific Facts: ChatGPT users included more names, dates, and definitions than search engine or brain-only writers.
2. Less Originality: Essays written with AI tended to sound alike, especially under time pressure, as students copied AI output rather than adding their own perspective.
3. AI vs. Human Judges: Human teachers spotted sameness across AI-assisted essays, while an AI judge rated them as more “unique.” This shows that AI often misses deeper stylistic patterns.
4. Brain Activity Drops: Brain scans showed up to 55% less connectivity in ChatGPT users compared to brain-only writers; search engines reduced activity less but still measurably.
5. Weaker Memory: 83% of ChatGPT users struggled to recall or accurately quote from their essays, compared to near-perfect recall in search engine and brain-only groups.
6. Cognitive Agency: Students who used AI felt less ownership over their writing, often attributing only partial authorship to themselves.
7. Cognitive Debt: Heavy reliance on AI narrowed thinking and reduced critical engagement. This makes writing more repetitive, less thoughtful, and potentially more biased over time.

Rule of Thumb: If the skill matters (thinking, learning, communication), don’t outsource it. If it just needs to get done, let AI help.

​READ THE FULL STUDY​

A New AI-Powered School in Scottsdale Has No Teachers, Only AI and Guides

At Alpha School in Scottsdale, Arizona, there are no teachers. Core academics are taught by AI in two hours a day, while adult guides focus on motivation and support. The rest of the time is devoted to life skills like public speaking and financial literacy. The $40K per year model boasts top national test scores, but critics argue that AI cannot replace human teachers and question whether two hours of academics is enough.

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Meta Partners With Midjourney, the King of AI Art

Meta has struck a deal with Midjourney to license its aesthetic technology for future AI models and products. Midjourney is the most respected tool among professional AI artists and creators. The partnership signals Meta’s push to boost the visual quality of its AI while Midjourney cements its reputation as the industry leader in generative imagery.

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How to Change ChatGPT-5’s Personality

You don’t have to keep the default ChatGPT tone. In ChatGPT-5 you can pick from built-in personalities that instantly change how it responds.

How to do it:

1. Go to Settings → Customize ChatGPT → Personality
2. Pick your favorite style:

Default — Cheerful and adaptive

Cynic — Critical and sarcastic

Robot — Efficient and blunt

Listener — Thoughtful and supportive

Nerd — Exploratory and enthusiastic

What it does: ChatGPT will shift tone and style right away, across all chats. Pretty cool!

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