Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang recently discussed the impact of artificial intelligence on cognitive function, specifically addressing an MIT study, during an interview with Farid Zakaria of CNN. Huang, whose company is a primary supplier for major AI firms including Meta and OpenAI, offered his perspective on daily AI integration.
Huang stated, “I have to admit, I’m using AI literally every single day. And, and, um, I think my cognitive skills are actually advancing.” He clarified his approach to AI utilization, noting, “I’m asking it to teach me things that I don’t know. Or help me solve problems that I otherwise wouldn’t be able to solve reasonably.” Despite his extensive personal use and commentary on AI’s cognitive effects, Huang acknowledged that he had not yet reviewed the specific MIT paper.
The MIT paper, titled “Your Brain on ChatGPT: Accumulation of Cognitive Debt when Using an AI Assistant for Essay Writing Task,” presented evidence suggesting that significant reliance on AI tools, such as ChatGPT, could negatively affect cognitive development. This research indicates that developing minds might become overly dependent on chatbots, using them as substitutes for independent thought. Prior research by Microsoft and Carnegie Mellon University also indicated that while AI can enhance efficiency, it might simultaneously lessen critical engagement, particularly in routine or low-stakes tasks, raising concerns about prolonged reliance and a reduction in independent problem-solving capabilities.
Will artificial intelligence help — or harm — our capacity for critical thinking?
I asked @nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, in Part 3 of our wide-ranging conversation on the AI revolution: pic.twitter.com/WdUPZW2W4w
— Fareed Zakaria (@FareedZakaria) July 13, 2025
