Reynol Rodriguez

Professor Jose Lujan

English 1301

April 19th, 2026

Artificial Intelligence Is Making Us Dumber

Section 1

1. Introduction and Background 

Current iterations of artificial intelligence (AI) are not the same as human intelligence; human intelligence is more akin to artificial general intelligence (AGI). For the sake of simplicity, understand that AI is using a very large dataset [of high quality information] to perform statistical probability calculations to create a sentence that would be probable from a real person. For the purposes of this research proposal, the stereotypical AI that we want to focus on is instances of generative AI and chatbots such as ChatGPT, Gemini, or Claude.

AI is designed to make life easier, but overusing it may be reducing our ability to think independently. When we rely too heavily on these systems, we gamble with the very problem-solving skills that define us. This research examines how dependence on AI affects the brain and considers whether people can change how they use these tools so they support rather than replace human thinking. Finding a balance is important so that individuals can benefit from efficiency without losing the core skills that define critical thought.

The concern that AI may be weakening human intelligence has become an important topic in academic discussions. 85% of college students said that they used generative AI for their coursework last year (Flaherty). It reflects the idea of "use it or lose it," which suggests that skills decline when they are not regularly practiced. When users delegate complex tasks to automated systems, they tend to disengage from the critical thinking process (Dergaa et al.). This habitual "cognitive offloading" has the potential to shrink our attention spans and make deep concentration feel like a chore (Gerlich). Rather than wrestling with tough ideas to reach a unique conclusion, it is becoming common to simply default to the first response an algorithm provides. Over time, this pattern may encourage passive consumption rather than active reasoning.

This study explores how frequent use of AI influences critical thinking abilities. A similar pattern can be observed in the phenomenon often described as ‘brain rot’, where constant exposure to digital content is linked to shorter attention spans and reduced persistence (Blashki). In much the same way, letting AI do the heavy lifting for our society could end up capping our collective intellectual growth. The purpose of this research is to better understand these effects and to suggest ways individuals can remain mentally engaged in an increasingly automated environment ("Is AI Dulling Our Minds?").

2. Personal Connection

The motivation for this research comes from concern about the long term effects of widespread AI use. Generative AI contributes to a cycle of low quality and passive content, “brain rot”. Observing younger generations consume large amounts of non educational media raises questions about how this exposure may affect their cognitive development (Blashki). At its core, this study is about safeguarding the intellectual curiosity and potential of those who will come after us.

This research intends to highlight healthy and intentional use of AI technologies. As these tools get more sophisticated, we cannot afford to let our own mental faculties go soft. This project highlights why we must fight to keep our independent judgment and sharp problem-solving skills intact. Tackling these issues today is the only way to ensure the next generation grows up to be confident, capable thinkers who aren't just puppets of an automated system (Dergaa et al.).

Section 2

1. Literature Review

Existing research on the intersection of AI and human cognition consistently indicates that overreliance on automated tools leads to a measurable decline in critical thinking ability. Researchers emphasize that cognitive pathways weaken when they are no longer required to perform complex synthesis. Ismail Dergaa and their colleagues explore this transition in their reflection on cognitive health. They note that as AI systems move from simple assistants to primary problem solvers they pose a direct threat to mental stamina. Dergaa et al. warn that "the transition of chatbots from simple assistants to primary problem solvers poses a direct risk of cognitive atrophy" (Dergaa et al.).

The mechanism driving this intellectual decline is frequently identified in the literature as cognitive offloading. Michael Gerlich investigates this trend by measuring how the delegation of analytical tasks to algorithms impacts independent thought. In their study Gerlich finds that "frequent reliance on generative algorithms directly correlates with a measurable reduction in critical thinking effort among users" (Gerlich). By outsourcing complex evaluation to technology individuals actively sacrifice their own capacity to process difficult information. This trend highlights a dangerous prioritization of efficiency over genuine comprehension.

Experts in non-scholarly publications echo these academic concerns by illustrating the real world consequences of algorithmic dependence. Grant Blashki compares the use of AI to relying entirely on GPS navigation where a user loses their innate sense of direction over time. In their article Blashki cautions the public by stating that "we are rapidly trading our long-term intellectual independence for short-term algorithmic convenience" (Blashki). Furthermore a report from the Harvard Gazette underscores the neurological implications of this shift. The publication notes that "outsourcing our foundational thinking to machines fundamentally alters our neurological pathways and diminishes problem solving endurance" ("Is AI Dulling").

The literature ultimately confirms that while AI offers massive computational power it requires strict human oversight to prevent severe cognitive erosion. By synthesizing these four sources it becomes clear that human intellect must be actively exercised to avoid permanent degradation in an increasingly automated world.

Section 3

1. Description of the Research Plan

The primary research for this study will utilize a mixed methods approach to investigate how AI impacts the cognitive habits of university students. To gather relevant data this project will adapt the framework established by Colleen Flaherty which examined student perspectives on algorithmic tools. The plan involves distributing a private comprehensive questionnaire designed to measure both the frequency of AI usage and the corresponding psychological impact on the user.

2. Methodology

By combining multiple choice and open ended response questions the research will capture both statistical trends and nuanced personal experiences regarding cognitive offloading. This methodology ensures that the data collected is both quantifiable for establishing trends and qualitative for understanding the emotional and intellectual toll on students. The sample population will include students from different majors to determine if major type has an appreciable effect on the level of cognitive atrophy that might be experienced. Also not only undergraduate students but highschool students as well, since college education is not a holistic representation of society.

3. Surveys

This investigation will rely primarily on digital surveys distributed to a broad demographic of undergraduate and highschool students. A survey is the most effective tool for this research because it allows for a high volume of anonymous responses which encourages honesty about academic habits and technology use. While interviews could provide deep insights a widely distributed survey will generate a larger dataset that accurately reflects the general campus community. 

4. Information

The survey will gather specific information about how students understand the way AI works and students will relate to the problem of cognitive decline and what they believe the solution might be. The questionnaire will ask participants to quantify their weekly AI use and identify the specific types of assignments they offload to chatbots. It will also measure their personal anxiety regarding skill loss by asking if they feel their critical thinking abilities have weakened. Finally the survey will ask students how they think universities and individuals can structure AI use to serve as a collaborative thought partner rather than an automated crutch.n

Works Cited

Blashki, Grant. "As AI Gets Smarter, Are We Getting Dumber?" Pursuit, University of Melbourne, 17 Feb. 2025, pursuit.unimelb.edu.au/articles/as-ai-gets-smarter,-are-we-getting-dumber.

Dergaa, Ismail, et al. "From Tools to Threats: A Reflection on the Impact of Artificial-Intelligence Chatbots on Cognitive Health." Frontiers in Psychology, vol. 15, 2 Apr. 2024, article 1259845, https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1259845.

Flaherty, Collen. “How A.I. is Changing - Not ‘Killing’ - College.” Inside Higher Ed, 29 Aug. 2025, https://www.insidehighered.com/news/students/academics/2025/08/29/survey-college-students-views-ai#.

Gerlich, Michael. "AI Tools in Society: Impacts on Cognitive Offloading and the Future of Critical Thinking." Societies, vol. 15, no. 1, 3 Jan. 2025, article 6, https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15010006.

"Is AI Dulling Our Minds?" Harvard Gazette, Harvard University, 13 Nov. 2025, news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2025/11/is-ai-dulling-our-minds/.