Hidden cost of AI prompts on human thinking

Generative AI models, including ChatGPT are helpful in boosting the efficiency, but researchers have raised the concerns over the hidden cost of AI prompts on human thinking skills.

According to a study published by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the people who used ChatGPT to write essays are more prone to less critical thinking and creativity.

Such people demonstrated a tangible decrease in learning skills and problem-solving abilities.

Similarly, another study conducted by Carnegie Mellon University and Microsoft also reported that those people who become increasingly reliant on AI, face a rapid regression in problem-solving skills.

The study also found that higher efficiency to use the tool to perform a task was associated with less critical thinking effort.

The study added, “While GenAI can improve worker efficiency, it can inhibit critical engagement with work and can potentially lead to long-term overreliance on the tool and diminished skill for independent problem-solving.”

Moreover, another survey published in Oxford University Press also found that 6 in 10 students felt AI had negatively impacted their skills with respect to schoolwork.

ChatGPT, which has more than 800 million weekly active users, has published a set of 100 prompts, helping students to get the most out of the technology.

Prof Wayne Holmes, who researches critical studies of artificial intelligence and education at University College London (UCL), refuted the adequacy of Sam Altman’s move.

“Today there is no independent evidence at scale for the effectiveness of these tools in education, or for their safety, or even for the idea they have a positive impact,” Holmes added.

He continued, “I never say to my students, you shouldn't use AI… But what I do try to say is look, we need to understand all these different things about it so that you can make informed decisions.”