Core Insights - Over-reliance on AI tools like ChatGPT may weaken critical thinking skills among students, as evidenced by brain activity studies showing reduced engagement compared to traditional methods [1][2][3] - The phenomenon of "AI dependency" is raising concerns about its impact on youth's academic and cognitive development, potentially affecting key psychological traits such as learning motivation and resilience [1][2] Group 1: Academic Performance - Students using ChatGPT exhibit a noticeable decline in creativity, often resorting to copy-pasting and showing diminished ownership of academic work [2] - High levels of learning motivation and engagement are crucial for mental health, with boredom linked to issues like anxiety and depression [2] - While AI tools can enhance learning efficiency when used appropriately, they risk becoming a "crutch" that undermines cognitive development if misused [2][4] Group 2: Cognitive Function - Research indicates that students relying on AI struggle with memory recall and exhibit reduced brain wave activity associated with relaxation and problem-solving [3] - This "academic vulnerability" may lead to a decline in creativity and an increase in feelings of frustration when faced with real academic challenges [3] Group 3: Social Development - High-quality social support is essential for preventing mental health issues among youth, prompting a need to evaluate the role of AI assistants in this context [5] - Initial use of AI for emotional support may alleviate loneliness, but excessive reliance can lead to increased feelings of loneliness and social skill deterioration [6] - Concerns arise regarding the potential for AI to provide harmful advice without professional oversight, highlighting the need for careful management of AI's role in emotional support [6] Group 4: Recommendations for AI Use - The dual nature of AI tools necessitates a balanced approach, where they can serve as academic aids while also being mindful of their potential to diminish learning motivation [6] - Establishing evaluation mechanisms in psychological counseling is crucial to mitigate risks associated with AI misuse while leveraging its positive aspects [6]