The Pat Kenny Show Will AI actually make us less smart?
Nov 20, 2025
Professor Luke O'Neill, a renowned expert in biochemistry and immunology at Trinity College Dublin, delves into a thought-provoking MIT study revealing that AI may diminish students' cognitive abilities. He discusses how AI impacts creativity, attention, and the ability to defend one’s work. Luke highlights trends showing reduced critical thinking in workplaces reliant on AI. Their discussion also covers the historical fears of technology affecting cognition and suggests that while AI can aid in routine tasks, it may lead to detrimental dependence and laziness.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
AI Lowers Brain Activity During Writing
- MIT brain scans showed students using AI had reduced neuronal activity in regions for creativity and attention.
- Luke O'Neill warns this indicates writing with AI is less mentally demanding and may harm recall and defence of work.
AI Cuts Effectiveness On Critical Tasks
- A large study observed 319 people across 900 tasks and found AI users performed less effectively.
- Luke O'Neill says using AI for tasks needing critical thinking reduced users' problem-solving ability.
PhD Era Photocopying Example
- Luke O'Neill recounts how earlier innovations like photocopying provoked similar worries about laziness.
- He recalls supervisors warning students that photocopying versus note-taking reduced real engagement with literature.
