"According to research presented on the Prof G Markets podcast by host Ed Elson and research lead Mia Silverio, one study revealed students using AI tools for homework "experience a 55% reduction in overall brain activity." That is a measurement of cognitive engagement during AI-assisted work, not a drop in IQ or permanent intelligence loss. The distinction matters, but the implication for how a generation learns is exactly what investors, parents and policymakers should be wrestling with."
"Elson's segment leaned on congressional testimony from neuroscientist Dr. Jared Horvath, who told lawmakers that "every generation in history has been smarter than their parents' generation except for Gen Z." The supporting data is sobering. Roughly half of American 12th graders now score below basic math levels, and a third of American 12th graders lack basic reading skills. Horvath called it "the worst rating that we've seen among that group in 3 decades.""
"The Prof G Markets framing of the cognitive cost is striking. When students use ChatGPT, "your brain is actually more impaired, more suppressed than if you were to be twice over the legal alcohol limit." The follow-up finding is what should give educators and product designers pause: "the impairment effects of using AI appear to compound even after the AI tool is removed from usage." Alcohol wears off. Cognitive offloading, according to this research, leaves a residue."
Students using AI tools for homework show reduced overall brain activity, reflecting lower cognitive engagement rather than permanent intelligence loss. Congressional testimony from a neuroscientist reports that every generation has been smarter than the previous one except Gen Z, with about half of American 12th graders below basic math levels and about a third lacking basic reading skills. Teen science, math, and reading scores in high-income countries have fallen nearly 5% over two decades, alongside about a 3% decline in adult literacy. AI adoption arrives on top of these declines. Research claims cognitive impairment from AI use can compound and persist even after AI tools are no longer used.
#ai-in-education #cognitive-engagement #neuroscience #literacy-and-math-performance #gen-z-learning-outcomes
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