Have you ever wondered what happens in your brain when you write with ChatGPT or Google for ready-made solutions? In this episode, we dissect the groundbreaking MIT Media Lab study “Your Brain on ChatGPT,” where researchers used EEG scans to measure real-time brain activity across three different essay-writing methods: relying solely on yourself, using a search engine, and using an LLM.
In the first three sessions, scientists found:
Brain-only writers showed the strongest alpha, beta, and theta connectivity, indicating deep semantic processing, sustained focus, and active working memory.
Search engine users landed in the middle: they relied less on internal recall but integrated visual information from Google.
LLM writers exhibited reduced neural coupling, simpler idea generation, and lighter memory load—the AI carried much of the “heavy lifting.”
But the most shocking result was memory: in the very first round, 83% of ChatGPT users couldn’t accurately quote their own essays! Meanwhile, the other groups could reproduce quotes almost perfectly by session two.
We dive deep into how cognitive debt—the hidden price of convenience—accumulates over time. In session four, participants suddenly switched tools: those who lost AI support struggled with recall and narrow idea range, while “brain-trained” writers integrating AI had to wrestle cognitively to align the model’s output with their own thoughts.
We also discuss:
Linguistic analysis showing AI-generated essays are homogeneous compared to uniquely human phrasing;
Why the sense of ownership over text drops when you use an LLM;
The environmental cost—each LLM query consumes 10× more energy than a standard search;
How teachers versus AI judges score originality differently—humans value “soul,” AI focuses on technical polish.
Get ready for an honest conversation about how large language models shape our thinking processes, memory, and creative ownership. After listening, you’ll know where it pays to flex your own cognitive muscles and when you might wisely call in an AI assistant.
🎯 What You’ll Learn:
How your brain’s neural networks respond to varying levels of external assistance;
Why you may feel “psychological distance” from AI-generated text;
Which skills to keep sharpened without outside help;
How to balance efficiency with the development of your own deep-thinking abilities.
🔥 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and comment: how often do you use ChatGPT or Google, and have you noticed any “memory leaks”?
Key Takeaways:
Neural engagement drops with LLM use, signaling less internal idea generation.
ChatGPT users show significant memory impairments and a weaker sense of authorship.
Cognitive debt accrues: going from AI back to solo writing reveals skill atrophy.
Human judges vs. AI raters value originality differently: humans detect “soul,” AI relies on metrics.
The environmental impact is real—LLM queries demand 10× more energy than standard searches.
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Read more: https://arxiv.org/abs/2506.08872
