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Ann. psychophysiol. 
ISSN 2412-3188 (Online)|2410-1354 (Print) 

APP| Published By AEIRC| https://doi.org/10.29052/2412-3188.v10.i2.2023.76-83 
 

 
Original Article 

Exploring the Impact of Artificial  
Intelligence on Human Cognitive Abilities:  
Is it a blessing or a curse? 
Shama Gul1, Farah Batool1, Fiza A. Rasheed1 & Wardha Kaleem2 

1Malir University of Science and Technology, Karachi-Pakistan, Karachi-Pakistan  
2Atia General Hospital, Karachi-Pakistan 
 

Abstract 
Background: Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become an integral aspect of 
contemporary society, offering a wide array of applications from voice assistants 
to autonomous vehicles. This study investigates the effects of AI technology usage 
on human cognitive abilities.  
Methodology: This study utilized a mixed research method, employing semi-
structured interviews to gather data from 20 teachers and graduating students of 
diverse demographics over a 6-month period. A stratified random sample with 
proportional allocation was selected, and participants completed a pre-tested 21-
item questionnaire. Data analysis was conducted using statistical tools, including 
SPSS version 21.0. 
Results: Analysis revealed significant insights into the relationship between AI 
usage and human cognitive abilities. The majority of participants were aged 25-34, 
predominantly male and educated, with 48% holding a master's degree. A 
majority reported regular usage of AI-based technologies, with 67% utilizing them 
daily. Participants expressed difficulties in problem-solving, critical thinking, 
concentration, learning, and decision-making when AI use was hindered, 
alongside heightened anxiety and stress. 
Conclusion: The study emphasizes the need for cautious and thorough analysis of 
ethical implications as AI continues to be integrated into businesses. 
 

Keywords 
Artificial Intelligence, Cognition, Human Intelligence, Cognitive Decline 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Citation: Gul S, Batool F, Rasheed FA. 
Exploring the Impact of Artificial 
Intelligence on Human Cognitive Abilities: 
Is it a blessing or a curse? APP. 2023;10(2): 
76-83 
 
Corresponding Author Email: 
farahbatool97@gmail.com 
 
DOI: 10.29052/2412-3188.v10.i2.2023.76-83 
 
Received 18/10/2023 
 
Accepted 22/11/2023 
 
Published 01/12/2023 
 
Copyright © The Author(s). 2023. This is an 
open-access article distributed under the 
terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 
4.0 International License, which permits 
unrestricted use, distribution, and 
reproduction in any medium, provided the 
original author and source are credited.  
 

 

Funding: The author(s) received no 
specific funding for this work. 

Conflicts of Interests: The authors have 
declared that no competing interests exist. 
 

https://doi.org/10.29052/2412-3188.v10.i2.2023.
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Introduction 
Artificial intelligence (AI) stands poised at 
the forefront of transformative 
advancements in our current industrial era, 
echoing the profound impact of the digital 
revolution ushered in by the Internet and 
digital technologies. Widely recognized as 
the herald of the next industrial revolution, 
AI permeates various aspects of modern 
society, from ubiquitous voice assistants and 
intricate image recognition systems to 
sophisticated decision-making algorithms 
and autonomous vehicles1,2. While AI holds 
immense promise to positively revolutionize 
human lives, there are profound concerns 
regarding its potential impact on human 
cognitive abilities. This study aims to 
scrutinize the effects of AI technology 
utilization on the intricate fabric of human 
cognition. 

In their seminal work "The Second Machine 
Age," Brynjolfsson and McAfee meticulously 
dissect the burgeoning landscape of AI, 
elucidating its profound implications for the 
economy, the workforce, and the daily 
experiences of individuals1. They underscore 
the awe-inspiring progress precipitated by 
digital technologies in contemporary society 
while also cautioning against the 
multifaceted challenges entailed by the swift 
proliferation of AI. Indeed, the advent of AI 
heralds a new epoch characterized by 
exponential technological growth and 
profound societal transformations, 
necessitating astute navigation of the 
intricate terrain of digitalization. 

In recent years, we have witnessed 
unprecedented strides in AI development 
across diverse domains, including natural 
language processing, image recognition, and 
complex problem-solving. Central to these 
advancements are deep learning algorithms, 
drawing inspiration from the intricate 
architecture of the human brain. Leveraging 

vast datasets, deep learning algorithms 
adeptly traverse the labyrinth of data, 
continually refining their performance and 
prowess over time3-6. 

A watershed moment in the annals of AI 
history was the triumph of AlphaGo, an AI 
system engineered by Google's DeepMind, 
over the reigning world champion in the 
ancient game of Go in 2016. This seminal feat 
shattered long-held perceptions, 
demonstrating AI's capacity to rival and 
even surpass human cognitive capabilities in 
domains once deemed exclusive to human 
intellect. Similarly, the advent of OpenAI's 
GPT-3 in 2020 marked a paradigm shift in 
natural language processing, epitomizing 
AI's ability to produce text indistinguishable 
from human-authored content across an 
array of linguistic tasks7,8. 

However, amidst these groundbreaking 
achievements, it is imperative to 
acknowledge the inherent limitations of AI. 
Despite its prowess, AI grapples with 
challenges in domains necessitating nuanced 
human faculties such as common-sense 
reasoning, creativity, and emotional 
intelligence. Hence, while AI holds immense 
promise in augmenting human capabilities, 
it is unlikely to supplant humans entirely in 
the realm of cognitive endeavors9-11. 

In light of these considerations, this study 
embarks on a multifaceted exploration of the 
intricate interplay between AI and human 
cognition, seeking to unravel the 
implications, challenges, and opportunities 
posed by the inexorable march of artificial 
intelligence. Through rigorous inquiry and 
nuanced analysis, we endeavor to shed light 
on the evolving dynamics shaping the 
human-AI symbiosis and chart a course 
toward a future where AI serves as an 
enabler of human flourishing rather than a 
harbinger of obsolescence. 



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Methodology 
Study Design 
This study adopted a mixed research 
method, combining qualitative and 
quantitative approaches to comprehensively 
investigate the impact of artificial 
intelligence (AI) on human cognitive 
abilities. 

Setting 
The study was conducted within educational 
institutions, encompassing both teachers 
and graduating students from diverse 
backgrounds in terms of gender, age, and 
socioeconomic status. 

Participants 
Participants included teachers and graduate 
students from various demographic 
backgrounds, ensuring a diverse 
representation of perspectives. The inclusion 
criteria were broad, encompassing 
individuals of all genders, ages, and 
socioeconomic backgrounds. 

Variables 
The primary variable of interest was the 
impact of AI on human cognitive abilities. 
Other variables may have included 
participants' familiarity with AI, their 
attitudes toward it, and their experiences 
using AI technologies. 

Data Sources/Measurement 
Data collection utilized semi-structured 
interviews and a self-administered 
questionnaire consisting of 21 items. The 
questionnaire was pre-tested on a pilot 
group to ensure clarity and relevance. Data 
were collected over a period of 6 months, 
allowing for comprehensive exploration of 
the research questions. 

Bias 
Efforts were made to mitigate bias by 
employing a stratified random sampling 
technique with proportional allocation, 

ensuring representation across different 
demographics. However, it's acknowledged 
that there may be biases inherent in self-
reported data and participant recruitment. 

Study Size 
The study included a sample size 
determined through stratified random 
sampling, aiming for adequate 
representation across various demographic 
categories. Twenty individuals who were 
either unaware of AI or had not used AI 
were excluded from the study to focus on 
participants with relevant experiences. 

Quantitative Variables 
Quantitative data collected included 
responses to the 21-item questionnaire, 
which were then analyzed using descriptive 
statistics. These statistics provided insights 
into participants' perceptions, experiences, 
and attitudes towards AI. 

Statistical Methods 
Data analysis was conducted using SPSS 
version 21, employing descriptive statistics 
to summarize and interpret the quantitative 
findings. This facilitated a systematic 
exploration of the collected data, allowing 
for meaningful insights into the impact of AI 
on human cognitive abilities. 

Result 
Participants 
The study comprised 150 participants, with 
a balanced gender distribution: 50% male, 
37% female, and 13% opting not to disclose 
their gender. The age distribution was 
predominantly in the 25-34 range (36%), 
with varying proportions across other age 
groups. Educational backgrounds ranged 
from matriculation to postgraduate levels, 
with the highest representation among 
graduates (48%) and postgraduates (27%). 
Socio-economic status indicated a majority 
from middle-class backgrounds (66%), 



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followed by lower (14%) and higher (20%) 
strata. 

Descriptive Data 
Table 1 provides a comprehensive snapshot 
of the demographic composition of the study 
participants, detailing frequencies and 
percentages across various demographic 
variables such as gender, age, educational 
background, and socio-economic status. 
Notably, the sample represents diverse 
demographics, allowing for a 
comprehensive analysis of the impact of AI-
based technologies across different groups. 

Outcome Data 
The survey results, as presented in Table 2, 
shed light on the participants' interactions 
with AI-based technologies. A significant 
majority (67%) reported frequent usage of AI 
tools, with 62% expressing increased reliance 
on them. Additionally, notable proportions 
noticed changes in memory (54%) and found 
it more challenging to recall information 

(52%) since using AI. Concerns about 
declining cognitive abilities were prevalent, 
with 45% experiencing difficulties in 
problem-solving and critical thinking. 
Anxiety related to AI dependency was also 
evident, as 57% reported feeling stressed 
when unable to use AI tools. 

Main Results 
The main findings of the study highlight the 
pervasive influence of AI-based technologies 
on various cognitive aspects among 
participants. Increased usage and reliance on 
AI tools were widespread, accompanied by 
observed changes in memory retention and 
information recall. Moreover, a substantial 
portion reported difficulties in problem-
solving, critical thinking, concentration, and 
decision-making since engaging with AI 
technologies. Concerns regarding the 
potential negative impacts of AI on cognitive 
abilities were prevalent, with a significant 
proportion expressing anxiety or stress 
when unable to access AI tools.

Table 1: Demographic data of the participants (n=150). 

Variables Frequency Percentage 

Gender 

Male 75 50 

Female 56 37 

Prefer not to say 20 13 

Age 

18-24 30 20 

25-34 54 36 

35-44 47 31 

45-54 18 12 

55 and above 2 1 

Educational Background 

Matric 5 3 

Intermediate 21 14 

Graduate 72 48 

Postgraduate 41 27 

Others 12 8 

Socio-economic Status 

Lower 21 14 

Middle 99 66 

High 30 20 



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Table 2: The survey results of the study participants. 

Questions Frequency Percentage 

AI tools usage 

Frequently 101 67 

Sometimes 33 22 

Rarely/Never 17 11 

Increased Reliance on AI tools 

Yes 93 62 

No 17 11 

Not Sure 41 27 

Noticed any changes in your memory since using 
AI-based technologies 

Yes 81 54 

No 17 11 

Not Sure 53 35 

Find it more challenging to recall information 
since using AI-based technologies. 

Yes 78 52 

No 23 15 

Not Sure 50 33 

Experienced difficulties in problem-solving or 
critical thinking skills since using AI 

Yes 68 45 

No 29 19 

Not Sure 54 36 

AI-based technologies have impacted your 
ability to concentrate or focus 

Yes 75 50 

No 18 12 

Not Sure 57 38 

Have you noticed any decline in your ability to 
learn new things since using AI? 

Yes 72 48 

No 21 14 

Not Sure 57 38 

Find it harder to make decisions independently 
since using AI 

Yes 72 48 

No 26 17 

Not Sure 53 35 

Concerned about the potential negative effects of 
AI on your cognitive abilities 

Yes 83 55 

No 21 14 

Not Sure 47 31 

Feel anxious or stressed when you are unable to 
use AI-based technologies 

Yes 86 57 

No 56 37 

Not Sure 8 5 

Discussion 
The pervasive integration of AI into various 
facets of daily life has prompted 
considerable debate regarding its impact on 
human cognition, decision-making, and 
productivity. This study sought to elucidate 
the nuanced relationship between AI 
utilization and potential declines in these 
cognitive abilities12. 

The findings reveal a notable trend wherein 
graduate students exhibit a higher frequency 
of AI tool usage compared to undergraduate 
and master's degree holders. This suggests a 
differential adoption pattern among 
individuals with varying levels of 
educational attainment, warranting further 
exploration into the underlying factors 
influencing this discrepancy. 

An overarching theme emerging from the 
study is the perceived correlation between 



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increased reliance on AI and a potential 
decline in cognitive engagement and 
decision-making autonomy. The results 
indicate a propensity for individuals heavily 
dependent on AI to exhibit tendencies 
towards laziness, as AI-enabled products 
and services streamline tasks, potentially 
reducing the need for cognitive effort13-15. 
While this aspect remains relatively 
underexplored in prior research, it aligns 
with existing literature highlighting the 
impact of automation on human behavior 
and cognition13,14. 

The implications of AI integration in 
education are particularly noteworthy, as the 
study suggests a concerning trend toward 
diminished cognitive engagement among 
students and educators. AI's ability to 
automate routine tasks may inadvertently 
discourage independent thinking and 
problem-solving skills, leading to a reliance 
on technology at the expense of cognitive 
development16,17. This phenomenon 
underscores the importance of fostering a 
balance between AI integration and the 
preservation of essential cognitive faculties 
in educational settings18-20. 

Moreover, the findings underscore the 
notion that AI's expanding role in decision-
making processes may exert a profound 
influence on human cognition. While AI 
offers undeniable benefits in processing vast 
amounts of data and optimizing decision 
outcomes, there exists a potential downside 
wherein human decision-makers may 
become overly reliant on AI-driven insights, 
leading to an atrophy of critical thinking and 
intuitive analysis skills21,22. This echoes 
concerns raised by previous research 
regarding the erosion of human agency in 
decision-making processes due to the 
increasing dominance of AI technologies23. 

Ultimately, the study highlights the complex 
interplay between AI utilization and human 

cognition, pointing towards a need for 
cautious integration and proactive measures 
to mitigate potential negative consequences. 
As AI continues to evolve and permeate 
diverse domains, it is imperative to prioritize 
the preservation and enhancement of human 
cognitive abilities, ensuring a symbiotic 
relationship between AI and human 
intelligence. Further interdisciplinary 
research is warranted to deepen our 
understanding of the multifaceted impacts 
of AI on cognition and decision-making, 
paving the way for informed strategies to 
harness its transformative potential while 
safeguarding human cognitive resilience. 

Conclusion 
In conclusion, the emergence of AI presents 
a complex scenario for human cognition, 
offering both opportunities for advancement 
and potential hazards. While AI has the 
capacity to enhance efficiency and decision-
making, its unchecked proliferation may 
lead to risks such as cognitive decline and 
excessive reliance. Therefore, a cautious and 
ethically mindful approach to AI 
development and integration is crucial. This 
entails prioritizing ethical considerations, 
implementing regulatory oversight, and 
fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and 
transparent dialogue. By doing so, we can 
aim to harness AI's transformative potential 
while safeguarding human cognitive 
resilience, steering toward a future where AI 
empowers rather than diminishes, 
maximizing benefits while minimizing risks 
to human cognitive abilities. 

Acknowledgment 
The authors extend heartfelt gratitude to all 
the respondents for dedicating their time to 
participate in the survey.  

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