Are We Getting Worse At Doing Work?

Heavy ChatGPT use may help short-term tasks—but it can quietly weaken your brain. 

In this episode, Paul and Matt unpack a new MIT Media Lab study and explain how durable skills act like muscles: neglect them, and they atrophy. They close with a blueprint to keep yours sharp with a few minutes a day. 

Five Key Learnings: 

• MIT study found weaker brain activity and “cognitive debt” after ChatGPT use. 
• Overreliance on AI dulls critical thinking and originality. 
• Durable skills—like communication and problem-solving—need reps. 
• Daily practice (even 5–10 mins) keeps skills from rusting. 
• T-shaped careers rely on both depth and breadth—neglecting either costs you.

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

MIT Media Lab / Tech & Learning article on “Your Brain on ChatGPT”

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