AI reduces brain activity – So are we making ourselves dumber?
A recent study showed that using AI to write an essay reduces brain activity and recall compared to people writing independently or using Google to assist.
No surprise - if you don't do the thinking, you don't get the learning.
How much of your thinking are you outsourcing to AI, and where is the line?
Let's explore using AI as a helper and not a detractor using a real-world example.
I have a few ideas to build AI GPTs or Gems:
- Personalised AI Ghostwriter
- An ´IF-THEN´ plan generator
- AI critique of my performance as a podcast host
- Morning motivation bot
- Social media analyser that explains the psychology of a post
In which above scenarios am I;
Making myself dumber,
Helping to lighten a cognitive load or
Using AI as a superpower
1. = Making myself Dumber - Writing is a process by which we clarify our thinking. Using AI to write social media posts means you lose your voice and your critical thinking. If you outsource the hard part, you won't get the gains. Imagine sending AI to the gym for you.
2. = Lightening the load. An 'If-Then' plan is a way to improve habits by coming up with a plan of action before you need to rely on will power. Using AIs knowledge and breadth of ideas to complete menial tasks is a good way to get more done.
(BTW This tool is in my upcoming 30-Day digital Dopamine Reset cohort) eg. If I find myself aimlessly scrolling on my phone, then I will...
Mind & Focus (The 10-Second Reset)
..lock my phone, close my eyes, and take three slow, deep breaths
....think of one thing I am looking forward to today or tomorrow.
Body & Movement (The Pattern Interrupt)
...stand up, put my phone down, and do 5 squats
....do a 30-second neck and shoulder stretch.
Environment & Order (The Quick Win)
...put one item near me back in its proper place
....delete three old photos or one unused app from my phone.
Planning & Intention (The Redirect)
....set a timer for 10 minutes and put my phone in a drawer until it goes off
....pick up a physical book and read a single paragraph.
3. = AI Superpower. Using AI to analyse large amounts of data and provide feedback to you is one of its superpowers. This can be even more useful if you're asking for feedback on yourself - it's very difficult to be objective on our own work.
4.= AI Superpower. State control is one key element to peak performance. Getting a little outside assistance from AI to motivate and reinforce habits is a good use.
5. = AI Superpower. Asking AI to find an underlying pattern and explain it to you can be a great way to learn. In this case, analysing successful posts and looking for frameworks I can use helps me be more productive and improve my depth of understanding.
What GPTS are you building?
