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Unis Embrace AI – But It May Be Shrinking Our Brains

The Mercury

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AI technology could permanently shrink the human brain’s capacity for deep thinking as our universities are on the front foot, writes UTAS researcher James Vickers

Summary

This article examines the cognitive impacts of offloading intellectual tasks to AI, arguing that excessive reliance on these systems could lead to a permanent reduction in human brain capacity for deep thinking. While not addressing immediate physical existential risks, it highlights a form of societal and cognitive degradation that could diminish human agency in the face of advancing frontier AI systems. The author specifically addresses the rapid adoption of AI within Australian higher education, warning that current institutional frameworks may overlook the long-term neurological consequences of technological dependence.

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Unis embrace AI – but it may be shrinking our brainsAI technology could permanently shrink the human brain’s capacity for deep thinking as our universities are on the front foot, writes UTAS researcher James Vickers All your news for a great price Unlock this story and more with your subscription Full Digital Access What’s included Unlimited articles on app & web Subscriber-exclusive newsletters A digital version of Today’s Paper A refreshed puzzle experience Full digital access to the Herald Sun included Pay As You Go No lock-in contract $1 a month for 2 monthsThen $35 charged monthly.* *Read the fine print Full Digital Access $1 charged monthly for a duration of 2 months, after which it automatically renews at $35 charged monthly. Renewals occur unless cancelled as per full Terms and Conditions. Each payment, once made, is non-refundable, subject to law. Not in conjunction with any other offer. New customers only. Prices after any early discounted periods may be varied as per full Terms and Conditions. See www.themercury.com.au/subscriptionterms for full details. 12 Month Plan Lock in & save $5 a week for 12 months($260 min. cost) charged as $20 every 4 weeks. Then $20 charged every 4 weeks.* *Read the fine print Full Digital Access 12 Month Plan costs $260 (min. cost) for the first 12 months, charged as $20 every 4 weeks. This automatically renews after the first 12 months to be charged as $20 (min. cost) every 4 weeks. Renewals occur unless cancelled as per full Terms and Conditions. No cancellations during the first 12 months. Each payment, once made, is non-refundable, subject to law. Not in conjunction with any other offer. Prices after the first 12 months may be varied as per full Terms and Conditions. See www.themercury.com.au/subscriptionterms for full details. Subscribe Other subscription options Print + Digital Subscriptions Corporate Subscriptions Your Selection: $0 Your Selection – Change selection Today’s Total $0 Read the fine print Terms and Conditions Sorry, we are unable to process your request at this time. Please try again later.