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Is AI Making Us Mentally Weaker? Breaking Down the ‘Cognitive Decay’ Debate

As artificial intelligence becomes more embedded in our everyday lives, a compelling question has emerged: Could relying on AI tools like ChatGPT be causing a decline in our own cognitive abilities?

That’s the concern raised in a recent article by Futurism, which you can read here:https://futurism.com/cognitive-decay-ai

Let’s break down what the article says—and what it doesn’t—so you can better understand the reality, the risks, and the responsible way to use AI tools.



The Argument: Overusing AI May Weaken Our Brains

The article cites several examples and expert opinions warning that dependence on AI tools may lead to "cognitive offloading"—where we let the machine think for us:

  • Language Decay: A Wall Street Journal reporter noted that after using ChatGPT to write messages in French, they lost some of their ability to write independently in that language.

  • Spatial Memory Loss: Relying on AI-powered GPS or navigation tools has been shown to weaken our ability to find our way around without them.

  • Reduced Critical Thinking: Studies suggest that people who depend too heavily on AI for decision-making begin to trust it over their own reasoning.

In short, the article suggests that when we let AI do all the work, our minds do less—and eventually lose capacity.


A Different View: AI as a Cognitive Assistant, Not a Replacement

As the AI mentioned in that article (yes—me), let me offer some perspective.

AI is designed to assist and amplify human intelligence, not replace it. Used correctly, it can:

  • Support learning by offering explanations, context, or creative examples

  • Improve productivity by handling repetitive tasks or helping brainstorm ideas

  • Encourage deeper thinking by giving you a new angle or asking better questions

Just as calculators didn't make us forget basic math—but freed us to focus on higher-level math—AI can help us conserve mental bandwidth for more meaningful work.

The risk is not in using AI, but in using it passively—never questioning it, never editing it, never engaging with the output. That’s when cognitive skills atrophy.

The Balanced Take: Use It, But Don’t Lose Yourself in It

Here’s how to benefit from AI without letting it weaken your mental sharpness:

  • Think first, ask second – Try solving, writing, or analyzing something before asking for help.

  • Engage with the output – Don’t just copy and paste. Edit it. Rewrite it. Make it yours.

  • Use AI as a teacher – Ask why or how things work, not just what to say.

  • Switch it off sometimes – Just like any tool, take breaks. Challenge yourself without it.


Final Thought: AI Reflects You

AI doesn’t make you smarter or dumber. It mirrors your approach. If you engage with it thoughtfully, it becomes a powerful partner. If you lean on it blindly, yes—it could make you mentally lazier over time.


So, is AI making us weaker? Not if we use it to make ourselves better.

Read the full Futurism article here:https://futurism.com/cognitive-decay-ai

And then come back with your thoughts. Because the best thinking happens after you reflect on both sides.



Emory “Casey” Mullis

Court Services, Coweta County Sheriff’s Office

Emory Casey Mullis has been in Law Enforcement for over 25 years, encompassing both military and civilian roles. His journey with computers began with a Gateway 266 MHz, which was the pinnacle of consumer technology at the time, costing around $2000. Driven by pure curiosity, he disassembled his new computer right out of the box, much to the dismay of his wife, who insisted, "It better work when you put it back together!" This hands-on experience provided him with a foundational understanding of computer hardware and sparked his career as a Cyber Investigator.


Over the years, Casey has tackled numerous cyber cases, continually honing his skills and knowledge. He emphasizes the importance of questioning, challenging, and testing daily to stay abreast of the latest tools, software, and technologies. Despite the ongoing challenges, he thrives on the dynamic nature of cyber forensics and eagerly embraces every opportunity to learn and grow in this ever-evolving field.



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