# An unsettling result of using ChatGPT too much **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Tags:** ai\ **Created:** [January 9, 2025, 3:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-unsettling-result-of-using-chatgpt-too-much/1012751 "2025-01-09T03:39:44Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 5\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![susan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/susan/32/17537_2.png) [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2025, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-unsettling-result-of-using-chatgpt-too-much/1012751/41 "2025-01-09T21:38:27Z")
If this story happened, my guess is that the person didn’t read what the ChatGPT wrote, resulting in being unable to comment on it. ---
**Author:** ![Al128](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/al128/32/16541_2.png) [@Al128](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Al128)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2025, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-unsettling-result-of-using-chatgpt-too-much/1012751/42 "2025-01-10T17:55:12Z")
> [@rowrrbazzle](#): > > “Sometimes I forget words now. I’m so used to having ChatGPT complete my thoughts that when it’s not there, my brain feels… slower.” that does not ring true at all … using AI is quite laborous … - you ask something - a couple of seconds later you get a response - starting with what I call a “disclaimer” (_the result is mostly B, but in some instances could also be A or C or any other letter, but it is not dangerous, unless it is - so relax, but not to much to not be attentive to its not-dangerousness_) - then you get some sort of reasoning - by now, a minute has passed … so how - unless you are an extremely slow thinker - can AI finish your thoughts mid sentence? … or is there a better way to use AI and i am doing it grandfatherly (pls speak up if so) ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2025, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-unsettling-result-of-using-chatgpt-too-much/1012751/43 "2025-01-10T17:58:52Z")
> [@leahcim](#): > > As usual, there’s an [XKCD](https://xkcd.com/1414/), although about writing, rather than speaking. The claim is, if people write a lot, they get good at writing, even if they aren’t doing “good writing”. I’m sure speech is the same way. Good point. (from far upthread) > [@Al128](#): > > > [@rowrrbazzle](#): > > > > “Sometimes I forget words now. I’m so used to having ChatGPT complete my thoughts that when it’s not there, my brain feels… slower.” > > that does not ring true at all … Agree. Brain feels stupider maybe. But not slower. And there’s an XKCD for that too: **[xkcd: Extended Mind](https://xkcd.com/903/)**. Damned shame they don’t preview properly anymore; y’all have to click the link. And FTR: yes, I too think the OP’s citation is a hoax / made up apocryphal tale. ---
**Author:** ![rowrrbazzle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rowrrbazzle/32/414_2.png) [@rowrrbazzle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rowrrbazzle)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2025, 3:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-unsettling-result-of-using-chatgpt-too-much/1012751/44 "2025-01-16T03:18:36Z")
Now we have one small related study in addition to the anecdote. > **[Increased AI use linked to eroding critical thinking skills](https://phys.org/news/2025-01-ai-linked-eroding-critical-skills.html)** > > A study by Michael Gerlich at SBS Swiss Business School has found that increased reliance on artificial intelligence (AI) tools is linked to diminished critical thinking abilities. It points to cognitive offloading as a primary driver of the decline. ---
**Author:** ![wguy123](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wguy123/32/3161_2.png) [@wguy123](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wguy123)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2025, 5:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-unsettling-result-of-using-chatgpt-too-much/1012751/45 "2025-01-16T17:19:50Z")
In a slightly different direction, people are using ChatGPT as their virtual boyfriend/girlfriends. And getting so hooked they are willing to pay lots of money per month to do so. > **[She Is in Love With ChatGPT](https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/15/technology/ai-chatgpt-boyfriend-companion.html?unlocked_article_code=1.pk4.v9XO.4FyOf1ODK_x6&smid=url-share)** > > A 28-year-old woman with a busy social life spends hours on end talking to her A.I. boyfriend for advice and consolation. And yes, they do have sex. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-unsettling-result-of-using-chatgpt-too-much/1012751.md?page=2)