Deep Questions with Cal Newport Ep. 359: Should We Fear Cognitive Debt?
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Jun 30, 2025 
In a thought-provoking conversation with Brad Stulberg, an author and devoted advocate of cognitive well-being, the discussion centers around a striking MIT study on AI's role in writing. They unpack the controversial idea of 'cognitive debt' and its potential risks to creativity and critical thinking. Listeners will also gain insights into managing personal projects, effective goal-setting strategies, and the importance of a balanced approach to technology and productivity. Prepare for a lively critique of sensationalized AI narratives!
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AI Writing Causes Cognitive Debt
- Heavy use of AI for writing leads to a major drop in brain activity and poorer essay quality.
- This reduction in cognitive effort is termed "cognitive debt," which impairs long-term thinking ability.
Protect Intellectual Strain as Fitness
- Using AI to bypass thinking short-circuits cognitive fitness akin to lifting weights with a forklift.
- We should protect intellectual effort that produces long-term satisfaction and brain strength.
Limit AI to Drudgery Tasks
- Students and professional writers should avoid using AI to write to maintain cognitive fitness.
- Use AI only for drudgery tasks like scheduling or copy editing under time constraints.
