Adding to the really good response quoted below: When you properly use AI the experience can actually challenge and make your brain stronger. For example, working on some complicated code, the de-bugging and needed improvements can be an excellent way to use your brain. In this example, AI helps save time and the human is still doing valuable, important work.
So, there was a
study (not yet peer reviewed), and results probably surprises anyone.
Group's brains were measured with a method known as Dynamic Directed Transfer Function (dDTF), that basically measures connections on the brain.
It was measured on using LLMs during tasks, using search engines, and using just their own skills unaided.
And compared to baseline (not surprisingly) LLM group had significant drop in brain activity.
Nature has adopted the "use or lose" method because we have limited resources. Reduce gravity and your muscles lose mass as they are not needed as much. But to stop using a tool because it weakens you is
silly. Most people alive have a drop in brain activity when driving since we no longer need to shift gears, monitor speed, check blind spots, etc. When my mother moved from a washboard to a washing machine, never once did I hear her complain she was losing strength. And no gen Zer will ever do math on a calculator to keep their brain sharp. Some things are no longer needed.
So where was this drop in activity? Wouldn't be everywhere in the brain - probably the areas required for the task AI was doing. If I have AI write redundant code, the right side of my brain should not be affected. If it draws a picture, I should still be as sharp in math as I am now. Some skills are no longer needed.
Finally, nothing is rotting - we are not losing brain ability like in a stroke. Everything that you lose because of a tool can be relearned if you lose that tool. Some things are not worth worrying about.
