New research reveals that reliance on AI chatbots could weaken children’s critical thinking development. Experts recommend specific strategies to protect young users while maintaining technological benefits. Discover how to balance AI assistance with cognitive development.
Children are increasingly offloading their critical thinking to AI chatbots, creating what experts call “cognitive debt” that may have long-term consequences for mental development and creativity. Recent research from MIT Media Lab suggests that reliance on large language models (LLMs) systematically reduces brain connectivity and could make young users more vulnerable to manipulation. As chatbot technology becomes more integrated into education and daily life, understanding these risks becomes crucial for parents and educators.
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