AI Writers Make Brains Lazy, Researchers Warn
amsterdam, vrijdag, 20 juni 2025.
Recent research from the Dutch Association of Journalists (NVJ) shows that the use of AI for writing texts can have negative consequences for our critical thinking skills. Students who use AI text generation exhibit less brain activity and struggle to quote from their own essays. Researchers warn of the dangers of echo chambers and the erosion of critical thinking due to excessive reliance on AI.
Impact of AI on Brain Activity
A recent study by the NVJ (Dutch Association of Journalists) shows that the use of AI for writing texts can have negative consequences for our critical thinking skills [1]. Students who use AI text generation exhibit less brain activity and struggle to quote from their own essays [1][2]. Brain activity was measured using EEG, and the results show that students who used ChatGPT exhibited the least brain connectivity, particularly in the alpha and beta waves associated with attention, planning, and integration of information [2].
Ethical Considerations and Echo Chambers
Researchers warn of the dangers of echo chambers and the erosion of critical thinking due to excessive reliance on AI [1][2]. Echo chambers can fundamentally undermine the development of critical thinking, weaken the foundation of high-quality scientific debate, and limit the analytical skills of students [1]. Pedro De Bruyckere, a Flemish researcher, suggests that the use of AI tools such as ChatGPT can lead to reduced brain activity and decreased motivation to think and write independently [2].
Applications in Journalism
In journalism, AI is increasingly being used for various tasks, such as generating news articles, subtitling, and detecting fake news [3][4]. For example, the Belgian broadcaster VRT is exploring possible AI applications within the media sector, including the recognition of disinformation and automatic subtitling [3]. While these technologies can enhance the efficiency and accessibility of news, they also raise ethical questions about the authenticity and integrity of journalistic products [3].
Advantages and Disadvantages
The use of AI in journalism offers both advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand, AI can speed up news production and increase accessibility, especially for repetitive or routine tasks [3]. On the other hand, excessive reliance on AI can lead to a decline in content quality and reduced brain activity among journalists and writers [1][2]. Researchers emphasize the importance of balancing the use of AI as a tool with the preservation of human creativity and critical thinking [2].
Future Perspectives
The future of AI in journalism is a topic of debate. Some experts suggest that traditional theses or dissertations in education may eventually disappear as students become increasingly dependent on AI text generation [5]. Lecturer and AI expert Tom Naberink states that it is currently almost impossible to reliably assess tests because students are increasingly using AI tools to generate their work [5]. This raises questions about the future of educational assessment and the value of academic degree transfers [5].