Showing 1–1 of 1 results for author: Ceballos, R C
-
Efficiency Without Cognitive Change: Evidence from Human Interaction with Narrow AI Systems
Authors:
María Angélica Benítez,
Rocío Candela Ceballos,
Karina Del Valle Molina,
Sofía Mundo Araujo,
Sofía Evangelina Victorio Villaroel,
Nadia Justel
Abstract:
The growing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into human cognition raises a fundamental question: does AI merely improve efficiency, or does it alter how we think? This study experimentally tested whether short-term exposure to narrow AI tools enhances core cognitive abilities or simply optimizes task performance. Thirty young adults completed standardized neuropsychological assessments…
▽ More
The growing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into human cognition raises a fundamental question: does AI merely improve efficiency, or does it alter how we think? This study experimentally tested whether short-term exposure to narrow AI tools enhances core cognitive abilities or simply optimizes task performance. Thirty young adults completed standardized neuropsychological assessments embedded in a seven-week protocol with a four-week online intervention involving problem-solving and verbal comprehension tasks, either with or without AI support (ChatGPT). While AI-assisted participants completed several tasks faster and more accurately, no significant pre-post differences emerged in standardized measures of problem solving or verbal comprehension. These results demonstrate efficiency gains without cognitive change, suggesting that current narrow AI systems serve as cognitive scaffolds extending performance without transforming underlying mental capacities. The findings highlight the need for ethical and educational frameworks that promote critical and autonomous thinking in an increasingly AI-augmented cognitive ecology.
△ Less
Submitted 12 February, 2026; v1 submitted 28 October, 2025;
originally announced October 2025.