A recent surge in concern surrounds the potential for artificial intelligence (A.I.) and social media to negatively impact cognitive abilities, a phenomenon increasingly referred to as “brain rot.” This slang term gained traction after Oxford University Press designated it as the word of the year in 2024, linking it to the addictive nature of short-form video apps like TikTok and Instagram and their effect on mental acuity. While anxieties about technology’s impact on the brain are nothing new – dating back to Socrates’ worries about writing’s effect on memory – emerging research suggests these concerns may be more pertinent today than ever before, particularly regarding A.I. and social media’s combined influence.
The Experiment: A.I.-Generated Advice Versus Traditional Research
The anxieties surrounding A.I.’s impact on cognitive skills were underscored in a recent experiment conducted at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Professor Shiri Melumad tasked a group of 250 individuals with providing lifestyle advice to a friend. One group was allowed to leverage A.I.-generated summaries from Google, while the others relied on traditional Google searches. The results were striking: those using A.I. generated advice produced generic and superficial suggestions—like eating healthy, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep—whereas those conducting traditional research offered more nuanced recommendations addressing physical, mental, and emotional wellness. This highlights a critical issue: are we sacrificing depth and critical thinking for the convenience of quick, readily available A.I. summaries?
Reading Scores in Decline & Rising Screen Time
These concerns are amplified by a disturbing trend in reading scores among children. National Assessment of Educational Progress data reveals that reading scores among U.S. children, including eighth graders and high school seniors, have reached record lows. These results coincide with a significant increase in screen time among young people, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, raising questions about a potential correlation between excessive digital engagement and declining cognitive performance.
Research Highlights: Memory Retention & Social Media’s Impact
Further research sheds light on the potential mechanisms behind this decline. A study conducted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (M.I.T.) investigated how A.I. tools like ChatGPT might affect essay writing. Researchers found that individuals who used ChatGPT demonstrated lower brain activity during the writing process and, remarkably, struggled to recall even a single sentence from their essays just one minute after completion, suggesting a diminished sense of ownership and engagement.
Simultaneously, research published in JAMA from the University of California, San Francisco, linked social media use to poorer cognitive performance in children. Analyzing data from over 6,500 children tracked from age 9 to 13, the study found that increased social media usage (at least three hours daily) correlated with lower scores on reading, memory, and vocabulary tests. The researchers concluded that this correlation likely stems from the fact that each hour spent scrolling through social media reduces time available for more beneficial activities such as reading and sleep.
Healthier Approaches to Technology
Despite the concerning findings, experts emphasize that blanket restrictions on screen time are likely impractical. Instead, parents are encouraged to establish screen-free zones – prohibiting phone use in bedrooms and during mealtimes – to promote focus, sleep, and family connection.
Regarding A.I. chatbots, the M.I.T. study offered a potential avenue for beneficial utilization. When participants who initially relied solely on A.I. were later restricted to using their own brains, their cognitive performance never reached the levels achieved by those who initially relied on their own cognitive abilities. This suggests that A.I. can be a tool for learning when used strategically and complemented by independent thinking and memory retention.
The key to navigating this evolving technological landscape lies in mindful usage, promoting active engagement, and ensuring that technology enhances rather than detracts from our cognitive abilities.
In conclusion, while A.I. and social media offer undeniable convenience and access to information, emerging research highlights a potential cost to cognitive function. By promoting mindful usage, establishing healthy boundaries, and prioritizing activities that foster critical thinking and memory retention, we can mitigate the risk of “brain rot” and harness technology’s power responsibly
