Groundbreaking research from MIT and expert analysis reveal that artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT are causing rapid "brain decay," reducing neural connectivity by half, and leaving behind permanent atrophy. Dr. Martin Jan Stránský explains why outsourcing thinking to AI threatens human intelligence itself – in this insightful podcast interview that every professional and parent should listen to.
Artificial intelligence is not improving humanity; it is actively weakening it. In an interview for the FirstClass podcast, Czech physician and expert Dr. Martin Jan Stránský discusses alarming new scientific findings about the cognitive impacts of artificial intelligence and warns that the real question is not when AI will reach human-level intelligence, but how quickly human intelligence will decline to the level of AI.
The first credible neurological study from Language Labs at MIT provides overwhelming evidence: just three months of using ChatGPT led to a 50% decrease in brain connectivity. Even more concerning is that "this disconnection actually persisted for several months after they stopped using the AI." Stránský emphasizes a crucial truth: "Artificial intelligence has nothing to do with intelligence. It's a program that works based on data obtained from word sequences and everything that is said or written. It doesn't feel emotions, it doesn't think rationally or irrationally. It's a program."
Anything that makes the brain's work easier weakens it. Ready-made answers eliminate the need to think, analyze, or solve problems, which causes "atrophy of at least that particular pathway or process, whether it is a real physiological one or at least a psychological one." This explains why heavy users of AI and digital technologies are experiencing real problems and a sharp increase in anxiety and depression.
A large study involving approximately 4-5 million people aged 18-34 has introduced or popularized the term "brain rot". The speed of this decline is illustrated by newly emerging "lemmings" – people who uncritically delegate all thinking and decision-making to large language models. Users no longer seek out information on which to base their decisions. Instead, they demand: "Do it for me," whether it's about plans to get rich or everyday choices. Jan Stránský notes that this acceleration far exceeds expectations from the early days of ChatGPT.
This is linked to broader neurochemical processes: screens and AI are hijacking dopamine systems in a similar way to addictive videos on TikTok, keeping users hooked while also disrupting deeper cognitive abilities. True creativity and insights arise in the brain's so-called "default mode network" during periods of inactivity and boredom – states that technology systematically destroys. "What something offers us will eventually take something away from us," he notes, although controlled professional use (e.g., design tools) can sometimes spark new ideas.
For a global audience, this energetic warning is clear: Consider AI as a potential cognitive toxin. Limit its use, especially among young people, focus on mindful thinking and awareness, and avoid completely outsourcing your thinking to AI. The human brain has evolved to expend effort. If we give up this effort, we risk permanently weakening our unique intelligence. Data from MIT and clinical observations leave no room for complacency – brain atrophy is already a reality.
Continued tomorrow
gnews.cz – GH
The first part of the interview is here:
You can watch the entire interview (in Czech) here: