New research indicates that the widespread use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT and Google Gemini may be contributing to a decline in human cognitive abilities, despite users perceiving benefits to their own thinking processes. A survey conducted among 2,000 adults found that 59 percent agreed to some degree with the statement that “AI is making people less intelligent,” while just 14 percent disagreed.

The findings reveal a notable discrepancy in how individuals assess AI's effects on themselves versus others. While most respondents believe AI diminishes the intelligence of the general population, many reported that these technologies have enhanced their own cognitive functions, particularly in areas like brainstorming and original writing. This dual perception suggests a complex relationship between AI use and human mental performance.

Cecilia Heyes, a professor of psychology at the University of Oxford, interprets this disconnect through the lens of the “third party effect,” a cognitive bias where people tend to believe that influential communications or tools affect others more than themselves. According to Heyes, users of AI chatbots experience a heightened sense of “processing fluency,” a psychological state in which the mind feels to be working smoothly and efficiently because the AI’s responses are precise and seemingly attentive.

This sensation of fluency may lead individuals to overestimate the benefits of AI in their own cognitive tasks. Heyes explains that when users focus on their own experiences with AI, they recall feelings of structure, ease, and simplicity, which contribute to a positive subjective assessment of their mental activity. Conversely, when considering others’ use of AI, people adopt a more critical stance, perceiving greater drawbacks.

The research also highlights emerging concerns regarding AI’s impact on social and emotional intelligence. A significant portion of respondents expressed the belief that AI has reduced people’s ability to empathize and understand others’ emotions. This raises questions about the broader implications of AI reliance, not only on individual cognitive functions but also on interpersonal connections.

Overall, the study suggests that while AI tools are enhancing certain aspects of cognitive output for individual users, there may be unintended consequences related to reduced mental effort and social engagement within the wider population. Further research is needed to understand how these technologies influence cognitive development and social dynamics over time.