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The limits of the human brain -

Despite its complexity, the human brain processes information at only 10 bits per second, far too slow for the overwhelming stream of data that we encounter daily. In today’s world, relying solely on our brains is like bodybuilding without steroids: admirable, but ineffective.

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The history of outsourcing thought -

Throughout history, people have used tools to enhance cognition and retain information, from cave paintings to written texts. But unlike our ancestors, we now carry small, all-knowing devices that offload massive amounts of our cognitive workload.

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AI’s vast knowledge base -

Generative AI models (like ChatGPT and Copilot) have been trained on a volume of text five times greater than the sum of all books that existed 500 years ago. But while these tools boost efficiency, research suggests that outsourcing too much cognitive labor may cause the brain to atrophy and weaken.

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The fear of becoming obsolete -

People instinctively fear that reliance on AI is making the human brain obsolete. This realization can trigger an urge to reclaim mental independence, by solving math problems, reading books, or even rejecting digital tools entirely in a desperate attempt to remain intellectually active.

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Cognitive skills -

The real question isn’t whether we should avoid AI, but which mental faculties are too valuable to outsource. Some forms of cognitive effort are worth preserving to maintain intellectual autonomy and problem-solving skills.

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The extended mind -

In 1998, philosophers Andy Clark and David Chalmers proposed that the mind isn’t confined to the skull, and that it actually extends to the tools and environments with which we interact. By relying on digital devices, our smartphones have essentially become an external component of our thinking process.

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Our minds and our devices -

Most people no longer memorize phone numbers, manually schedule tasks, or recall detailed facts. Our devices do it for us. This integration between brain and machine is so seamless that we barely notice how much we’ve outsourced our memory and cognitive load.

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Reshaping the brain -

Unlike speech, reading isn’t hardwired into our genetics. Learning to read reshapes the brain’s structure, which proves that cognitive tools physically alter how we process information. Similarly, digital tools are reshaping cognition, but we don’t yet know the long-term consequences.

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The decline of deep reading -

According to a study conducted over the past 40 years, the number of 13-year-olds reading for fun daily has dropped from 35% to 14%. At the same time, critical thinking skills and the ability to assess reliable sources have declined.

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The rise of ‘TikTok brain’ -

Short-form videos like those found on TikTok may also be rewiring our attention spans, making deep reading and concentration harder. Studies suggest that heavy consumption of quick, engaging content weakens reading-related brain circuits, and can possibly lead to an overall decline in sustained cognitive focus.

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Nomophobia -

A recent study coined the term “nomophobia” to describe the anxiety of being separated from one’s phone. The deep psychological integration of smartphones into daily life supports the idea that they are now an extension of the mind.

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The Inga and Otto experiment -

Philosophers Clark and Chalmers compared a woman (named Inga) relying on memory with a man (called Otto) using a notebook for navigation, and they argued that the two cases are functionally identical. Today, Otto’s notebook has simply been replaced by smartphones.

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Why not outsource all thinking? -

If digital devices are as reliable as the brain, why not let them handle all cognitive work? The risk is that over-reliance could erode our ability to think critically, and it could diminish the independence and complexity of human cognition over time.

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Studying digital dependence -

Neuroscientists struggle to to precisely measure how AI affects thinking. Modern reliance on digital devices is relatively new, and existing tools can’t yet fully track the long-term impact of replacing human cognition with artificial intelligence.

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The path of least resistance -

A review of 170 studies across 29 countries found that people dislike intense mental effort. Given a choice, humans and lab rats alike opt for the least mentally taxing path, preferring cognitive shortcuts even at the expense of deeper understanding.

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Effort vs. reward -

Despite our tendency to avoid hard thinking, we willingly engage in difficult mental tasks when rewards exist, such as career success or personal achievement. Experts agree that it is imperative to balance efficiency with the preservation of intellectual effort.

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The cognitive miser principle -

Psychologists describe people as “cognitive misers,” meaning we conserve mental energy whenever possible. AI tools amplify this tendency and make it easier than ever to bypass effortful thinking, sometimes at the expense of long-term cognitive development.

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Intention offloading -

People externalize their responsibilities through digital calendars, reminders, and alarms. While this lightens cognitive load, research suggests that once people trust external memory storage, they become less likely to retain information internally.

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Brain activity -

An fMRI study conducted by cognitive neuroscientists found that when people set external reminders, activity in the brain’s planning regions decreased. This suggests that the brain disengages from tasks it believes are being handled elsewhere.

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Hippocampus -

The hippocampus (the part of the brain that is crucial for memory) weakens with continuous AI reliance. Studies show that when people overuse AI or digital devices, their hippocampus activity decreases and their problem-solving and memory retention abilities are impaired.

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The GPS problem -

Studies have shown that taxi drivers in London, who memorize thousands of city routes, have larger hippocampi than bus drivers, who follow fixed paths. The reliance on GPS may similarly reduce people’s navigation abilities, and it raises concerns about how AI weakens other cognitive skills.

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Digital navigation dependence -

Before smartphones, drivers memorized directions or consulted physical maps. Now, GPS handles navigation, and it is leaving many younger people with poor directional skills. But how can a person avoid relying too much on AI and technology? Let’s take a look.

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Supplement vs. replacement -

AI can enhance productivity, but it shouldn't replace deep thinking. Instead of letting it generate entire answers for you, it should be used to refine existing ideas. Engaging with AI critically keeps your brain active while still benefiting from its efficiency.

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Limit reliance on digital memory -

Instead of using AI for everything, challenge yourself to remember important details. Memorize phone numbers, grocery lists, or key facts. This strengthens your working memory and prevents cognitive atrophy caused by excessive dependence on external storage.

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Mental math -

Instead of immediately reaching for your phone or a calculator to solve simple math problems, try calculating them in your head. Mental math exercises your brain’s problem-solving ability and keeps cognitive functions sharp.

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Independent learning -

AI can provide instant answers, but it isn’t always accurate. True learning happens when you seek knowledge actively. Read diverse sources, engage in discussions, and explore topics deeply without relying on AI to tell you what to think.

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Problem-solving activities -

Engaging in puzzles, chess, or logic-based games strengthens problem-solving skills. Rather than using AI for quick answers, work through problems yourself. This encourages cognitive resilience and independent reasoning.

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New skills -

Learning a new language, instrument, or hobby without AI assistance can strengthen neural pathways. Actively engaging in skill-building fosters neuroplasticity and cognitive resilience, keeping your brain sharp over time.

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Balancing AI with intellectual integrity -

Artificial intelligence can be a valuable tool, but using it without critical thought is dangerous. The challenge is to integrate AI into daily life in ways that enhance, rather than replace, our ability to think independently.

Sources: (Vox) (New Atlas) (Cherubic Ventures)

See also: Can artificial intelligence be a religious entity?

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