How Does AI Affect Your Brain?
Lindsay Knake
| 4 min read
Lindsay Knake is a brand journalist for Blue Cross B...
Key Takeaways
- A survey of nearly 21,000 U.S. adults found daily personal use of generative AI was linked to a 30% higher risk of moderate depression, though no association was found for work-related use.
- An MIT experiment found heavier ChatGPT use was associated with greater loneliness, less real-world socialization and increased emotional dependence, though the findings are preliminary.
- Separate MIT research suggests using ChatGPT for writing tasks may reduce brain engagement and deep thinking, highlighting the need to balance AI use with critical thinking and real-world relationships.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is nearly everywhere, embedded into search engines and apps. While it can make some tasks easier, preliminary research shows generative AI — such as the use of chatbots — is associated with worsened mental health and cognitive abilities.
Research on the topic is new, and more is needed to explore how AI affects the brain and mental health. Here is what some of the research shows so far.
Generative AI and mental health
A new survey study published by JAMA Network found an association between higher generative AI use and increased risk of depression. The survey asked nearly 21,000 adults across the United States about their internet use, including AI use, in spring 2025. About 10% of the respondents said they used generative AI daily, and 5.3% reported using it multiple times a day.
Using AI daily or frequently for personal applications was associated with a 30% increased risk of moderate depression. The link between AI use and depression is more common in men, younger adults, people with higher levels of education and income and people who live in urban areas.
There wasn’t an association between using AI tools for work and an increased risk of poor mental health.
AI and loneliness
In a four-week randomized controlled experiment at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), researchers examined the relationship between using ChatGPT and loneliness, real-world socialization, emotional dependence and problematic use.
Increased used of the chatbot consistently showed higher levels of loneliness, less socialization with real people, more emotional dependence and increased problematic use. The participants who felt empathy or emotion from the chatbot had more problematic use and higher emotional dependence, respectively.
Additionally, people who struggle with vulnerability in their own relationships engaged in more problematic use of AI, possibly indicating people use the chatbot in lieu of human relationships. The researchers noted this may in turn exacerbate their anxiety around people.
The study has yet to be peer reviewed, and more research is needed.
AI and cognitive functioning
In another small MIT study, using ChatGPT for writing essays is associated with worse cognitive outcomes. A group of 54 participants age 18 to 39 were divided into three groups and wrote several SAT essays using ChatGPT, Google’s search engine and no reference source, respectively.
The researchers studied the participants’ brain activity and found those who used ChatGPT had the lowest brain engagement and lacked original thought. Those who used only their brains had the greatest brain connectively and recall of their work.
The study is preliminary, and the researchers noted the results may not be applicable to all tasks.
A literature review of AI research concluded AI can help with efficiencies and tasks, but may also be linked to diminished deep thinking. Balancing the positive uses of generative AI with developing critical thinking skills and real-world relationships may be key to using the tool in a healthy way.
Quality relationships are important for mental and physical health, and strong social connection leads to longevity, including reduced heart disease risk and depression. If you are struggling with mental health or loneliness, seeking professional help from a therapist can provide insight and support.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network can help members find an in-network mental health professional by calling behavioral health access lines listed below:
PPO: Behavioral Health Access Line | 1-800-762-2382
A free and confidential resource that’s just a call away when you need immediate support. Behavioral health professionals answer, 24/7.
HMO: Behavioral Health Access Line | 1-800-482-5982
Connect with a behavioral health clinician if you need help finding a mental health or substance use provider.
Behavioral health clinicians are available for routine assistance from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. For urgent concerns after hours, clinicians are also available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Image: Getty Images
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