Redefining Cognitive Domains in the Era of ChatGPT: A Comprehensive Analysis of Artificial Intelligence's Influence and Future Implications

Med Res Arch. 2024 Jun;12(6):5383. doi: 10.18103/mra.v12i6.5383. Epub 2024 Jun 24.

Abstract

Background and objectives: Despite its extensive utilization, research on Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (ChatGPT)'s potential negative impact on specific cognitive processes is scarce. This article explores the widespread use of ChatGPT in educational, corporate, and various other sectors, focusing on its interaction with distinct cognitive domains such as attention, executive function, language, memory, visuospatial abilities, and social cognition.

Methods: A literature review was conducted using PubMed, identifying 256 articles, with 29 peer-reviewed articles analyzed after screening for relevance.

Results: The review emphasizes the extraordinary capabilities of the human brain, which often go unrecognized, and argues for the importance of maintaining and enhancing natural cognitive abilities using artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT as an aid rather than a replacement. The findings highlight the advanced reasoning capabilities of ChatGPT, blending intuitive and deliberate cognitive processes.

Conclusion: Building a socio-cognitive architecture for collective human-machine intelligence has significant potential. While ChatGPT offers impressive capabilities, over-reliance on it for cognitive tasks can lead to the erosion of essential skills. It is crucial to find a balance between leveraging artificial intelligence's advantages and preserving our natural cognitive abilities, ensuring continuous practice and engagement in traditional cognitive exercises.

Keywords: ChatGPT; artificial intelligence; cognition.