A study uncovers a weird link between ChatGPT and memory decline.

                                                  

When confronted with an increasing academic workload and time constraints, students turn to ChatGPT, a generative AI tool, but a new study has shown an unanticipated downside.

A study published in the International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education found a link between relying on ChatGPT and procrastination, memory loss, and lower academic achievement.

According to the PsyPost website, the study's findings focused on the function of generative artificial intelligence in education, highlighting its broad application and potential downsides.

Muhammad Abbas, the study's principal researcher from Pakistan's National University of Computers and Emerging Sciences, noted that his interest in this topic "stems from the increasing prevalence of generative artificial intelligence in academia and its potential impact on students." 

He continued, "In the past year, we have noticed an increase in many students randomly relying on generative artificial intelligence tools for various tasks and projects," prompting the research team to delve deeper into understanding the reasons and consequences behind students' use of generative artificial intelligence.

Disadvantages of excessive use

Abbas and his colleagues discovered that high levels of academic stress and time pressure were significant predictors of greater ChatGPT use, implying that students under a lot of academic strain are more inclined to seek assistance from generative AI technologies.

In addition, the study revealed significant negative effects of using ChatGPT on students’ personal and academic outcomes. Increased reliance on ChatGPT was associated with higher levels of procrastination, memory loss, and a negative impact on academic performance.

It is also reflected in students' grade point average. These results suggest that although ChatGPT can be a valuable resource under certain circumstances, its excessive use may have detrimental effects on learning behaviors and outcomes.

Double effect

Interestingly, the study did not find a statistically significant relationship between sensitivity to quality and use of ChatGPT, suggesting that concerns about the quality of academic work do not necessarily influence the decision to use AI tools.

The findings highlight the potential dual impact of ChatGPT in academia, serving as a useful tool under academic pressure and as a potential risk to academic integrity and student learning outcomes.

Cognitive skills and mental health

The research opens the door to studying the broader impacts of ChatGPT use on student learning outcomes and health. Future research could delve into how reliance on generative AI tools impacts cognitive skills, mental health, and overall learning experiences.