A study shared at the **Conference on Language Modeling** suggests that while artificial intelligence can boost short-term speed and accuracy, it might lead to a sudden reliance on the technology. Researchers tested this with 1222 people across three random experiments. They found that individuals who used AI tools like **ChatGPT** to solve fraction problems did better at first but performed much worse when the AI help was taken away. Their success rate dropped by about 20% compared to a group that didn’t use AI, and they were twice as likely to give up or skip questions. Similar results were seen in reading tests, where 61% of the AI-assisted group asked the AI for direct answers instead of thinking through the problems themselves. The study points out that how AI is used affects cognitive outcomes. When AI is designed to offer hints, explanations, or guidance rather than direct answers, the negative impact on thinking skills is avoided. Some adaptive learning platforms, such as **Duolingo** and **Khan Academy**, use AI assistants that are programmed to encourage independent thinking through a method called Socratic questioning, which involves asking thought-provoking questions to help users discover answers on their own. In the tech industry, engineers using code generation tools like **GitHub Copilot** report feeling mentally overloaded because they must constantly check for errors in the AI’s output. When they stop using these tools, they find it harder to design complex software or fix problems manually. Likewise, gastroenterologists using AI to detect polyps in the digestive tract perform better with the tool, but their ability to spot polyps without it drops below what it was before AI was introduced. According to surveys by **BCG**, switching between AI tasks and monitoring their results increases mental fatigue by 12%, leading to headaches and difficulty focusing. Supporters of AI argue that, like calculators or GPS systems, it might weaken certain mental skills but allows people to focus on more complex tasks. The human brain may shift its focus from executing tasks to thinking about how to solve bigger problems. However, the study stresses the importance of using AI wisely in professional settings. It emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to avoid becoming too dependent on AI and to maintain cognitive engagement.