The American site “Psychology Today” revealed a frightening study about the effects of artificial intelligence on the human mind, with analytical answers that make increased exposure or excessive interaction with AI chats closer to an addiction that in some cases causes individuals to lose their mental faculties, resembling a man who cannot live without these chats and becomes mentally inactive.

Among the most significant negative effects and concerns about addiction to AI and instant chats is cognitive laziness. There is growing worry that using AI tools to solve complex problems or answer questions may reduce our ability to think independently. When answers are provided ready-made, the mental effort necessary for thinking and problem-solving decreases.

Memory erosion

Another concern, no less than mental inactivity and cognitive laziness, is the problem of memory and learning erosion. Some experts indicate that relying on AI to remember information may negatively affect our ability to store and retrieve information from memory. We may become less skilled at memorizing basic facts, harming long-term learning processes. Dependence on algorithms also weakens our ability to question information, making us more vulnerable to misinformation, especially if the AI tool lacks fact-checking.

A similar study by “Psychology Today” reveals that contemporary AI systems, especially those managing social media algorithms and content recommendation engines, create what psychologists call systematic cognitive biases on an unprecedented scale.

Narrowing ambitions

Despite its apparent benefits, AI-managed personalization may lead to what cognitive psychologists call “preference crystallization,” where our desires become narrower and more predictable. Over-customized content streams steer our aspirations toward commercially profitable or algorithmically convenient outcomes, potentially limiting our ability to self-discover and set goals honestly.

The psychological impact of interaction-enhanced algorithms extends deep into our emotional lives. These systems, designed to capture and maintain attention, often exploit our brain’s reward systems by presenting emotionally charged content—anger, fleeting joy, anxiety. Researchers call this “emotional disruption,” where our natural ability to experience nuanced and sustained emotions weakens due to algorithmically organized stimulation.

Perhaps the most concerning psychological aspect is AI’s role in creating and reinforcing filter bubbles. These systems systematically exclude difficult or contradictory information, leading to what cognitive scientists call “confirmation bias amplification.” When our ideas and beliefs are continually reinforced without challenge, critical thinking skills atrophy, and we lose the psychological flexibility that enables growth and adaptation.

Our sensory experience—essential to our mental well-being—is increasingly mediated through AI-prepared digital interfaces. This shift toward augmented sensation may lead to what environmental psychologists call “nature deficit” and “embodied disconnection,” where our direct, unmediated interaction with the physical world diminishes, potentially affecting everything from attention regulation to emotional processing.

Positive points

Some experts believe AI can enhance rather than weaken our cognitive abilities. It can help doctors, engineers, and businesspeople analyze vast amounts of data, leading to better and more accurate decisions. AI-powered tools can also provide new insights and starting points for creatives, helping them overcome mental blocks and generate previously impossible ideas. Additionally, by taking over routine and tedious tasks, AI allows our minds to focus on critical thinking, complex problem-solving, and cognitive processes requiring unique human skills.