Research Warns Overreliance on AI Risks Long-Term Erosion of Reasoning and Learning Skills

The American Psychological Association and related research have highlighted the risk of “cognitive atrophy”: users who routinely delegate searching, writing and decision-making to AI may spend less time practicing independent thought and deep reasoning. The concern is that short-term productivity gains may not offset the long-term cost of deteriorating learning capacity and professional skills.

Recent reports warn that dependence could deepen if workplaces and schools normalize the idea that people who do not use AI will fall behind. Experts recommend treating AI as an aid for fact-checking, organizing information and generating prompts, rather than as a substitute for reasoning. As of July 20, 2026, the available information on this event did not disclose the research publication date, sample size, extent of deterioration or any related monetary amount.