It’s official: ChatGPT is rotting our mind

Written by: Aarthi Ramnath, Raghav Bikhchandani & Yash Budhwar

It’s official: ChatGPT is rotting our mind

A new study out of MIT’s Media Lab has confirmed every AI doomsayer’s worst fears: ChatGPT is making young people stupider.

About the study: Researchers recruited 54 students to write essays. One group used only ChatGPT, the other used Google Search, and the third did not get any help—digital or otherwise. The result: It found that of the three groups, ChatGPT users had the lowest brain engagement and “consistently underperformed at neural, linguistic, and behavioral levels.” Fancy words for the fact they churned out AI dreck—that got worse with time:

The group that wrote essays using ChatGPT all delivered extremely similar essays that lacked original thought, relying on the same expressions and ideas. Two English teachers who assessed the essays called them largely “soulless.” The EEGs revealed low executive control and attentional engagement. And by their third essay, many of the writers simply gave the prompt to ChatGPT and had it do almost all of the work. “It was more like, ‘just give me the essay, refine this sentence, edit it, and I’m done,’” Kosmyna says.

The best of the lot: The “brain only group” that “showed the highest neural connectivity… associated with creativity ideation, memory load, and semantic processing.” There’s even a fancy infographic to illustrate the results:

The really dismal bit: Most of the kids that used ChatGPT didn’t even remember their own essays: “[O]nly a few of the participants were able to recall what they had written just a few minutes ago.” The researchers call this “cognitive offloading”—a fancy way of saying that when AI does the heavy lifting, your brain stops showing up to work.

Not just trashing brains: A separate study showed that advanced large language models generate 50X more carbon emissions than others—the smarter they are, the more CO2 they spew. And the more they rot our brains, no doubt.

Reading list: TIME Magazine and Indian Express have the best overviews of the neural activity study—the original is here. Gizmodo reports on the carbon emissions study.

Adding to the bad tech news: New research has found that teenagers who are addicted to social media, mobile phones and video games are more likely to have suicidal thoughts and behaviours. The problem, digital addiction is hardly rare:

[B]y age 14, about a third of the kids had become increasingly addicted to social media, about a quarter had become increasingly addicted to their mobile phone and more than 40% showed signs of addiction to video games.

What’s interesting: The researchers say there is no link to the total amount of screen time—“what mattered more was whether their use showed signs of compulsion, distress or loss of control.” That is news to parents who have been told over and again to limit screen time for kids:

We're starting to really try and understand what are the specific features or the specific behaviors that might be more concerning… And the extent to which kids say, 'I can't stop even when I'm trying to. I'm having withdrawal, dependence, tolerance symptoms,' that's important.

The Guardian has more on the study while NPR has more on why screen time is not inherently good or bad.

Iran vs Israel: Tariff wars… except bombs!!

Donald Trump has returned to his favourite pastime—doling out arbitrary deadlines by which he will “do something.” He announced a two-week window for negotiations with Iran—in true Donald fashion: “Based on the fact that there’s a substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks.”

The White House dutifully followed with Bruce Willis-ishtyle dialogue:

I think the president has made it clear he always wants to pursue diplomacy. But believe me, the president is unafraid to use strength if necessary. And Iran and the entire world should know that the United States military is the strongest and most lethal fighting force in the world, and we have capabilities that no other country on this planet possesses.

FYI: Rumour has it that Trump is no longer consulting his own National Security Advisor or Secretary of Defence—but a talking parrot gifted to him by the sultan of Oman. Ok we made that last bit up.

Point to note: For any such negotiation to work, Tehran will have to stop all enrichment of uranium, period—that includes any needed for nuclear energy. But that’s a “red line” for Iran—which it doesn’t have a good reason to cross—more so when being bombed by Netanyahu every day.

As for the Europeans: Foreign ministers from Britain, Germany and France are off to Geneva to hold talks with Iranian reps—and convince them of the wisdom of giving Donald exactly what he wants (because it has worked so well for them).

Trump’s little problem #1: We don’t know what a US intervention would look like. But the primary threat centres on the American GBU-57—a 13.6-tonne (30,000lb) bomb that can supposedly take out Iran’s underground nuclear plants. Or maybe not:

But the defense officials who received the briefing were told that using conventional bombs, even as part of a wider strike package of several GBU-57s, would not penetrate deep enough underground and that it would only do enough damage to collapse tunnels and bury it under rubble.

To wipe out the plants, the US will have to “ultimately drop a tactical nuclear weapon from a B2 bomber.” Yes, you read that right.

Trump’s little problem #2: is the Strait of Hormuz—located right here:

Iran has the naval strength to shut it down—and trap US Navy ships in the Persian Gulf. Its officials have already threatened to mine the strait if Washington enters the war. Also this:

The narrow 90-mile waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the open ocean is a key shipping route. A quarter of the world’s oil and 20% of the world’s liquefied natural gas passes through it, so mining the choke point would cause gas prices to soar.

Bibi’s little problem: The war is costing Tel Aviv millions of dollars every day:

The biggest single cost are the interceptors needed to blow up incoming Iranian missiles, which alone can amount to between tens of millions to $200 million a day, experts say. Ammunition and aircraft also add to the price tag of the war, as does the unprecedented damage to buildings. Some estimates so far say that rebuilding or repairing damage could cost Israel at least $400 million.

Also: he will soon run out of interceptors. Israel simply can’t afford to wage a long war—without US intervention.

Quote to note: Iran's deputy foreign minister Saeed Khatibzadeh told BBC News that US involvement would turn the conflict into a "quagmire"—a gentle reminder of a word last used to describe… the Iraq war. We all know how that turned out. Btw, the Ayatollahs are far better armed than Saddam ever was.

State of the strikes: In the latest exchange of missiles, Israel has struck Iran's heavy water reactor in Arak—while Iran has taken out a hospital and a premier research institute. It doesn’t sound like much but it sends a message: “[I]t caused heavy damage to multiple labs on campus, snuffing out years of scientific research.” Also this: While Israel is clearly more powerful, it has not suffered this kind of damage to its infrastructure in decades.

We leave you with: ‘Bomb Iran’, a charming song that dates back to 1979—when Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini had held American hostages at the US embassy in Tehran. Only a matter of time before those MAGA boys rediscover the tune.

Reading list: CNN is best on the two-week window and US options. Euronews has more on Israel’s strike on Arak—while Al Jazeera has a report on the Iranian bombings. Wall Street Journal lays out the staggering price of war for Israel. New York Times looks at why the Hormuz Strait is Iran’s ace card. The Guardian reports on the doubts over those bunker buster missiles.

India v England: A shubh(man) beginning

Later today, the Test series against England will kick off in Leeds. This will be the first since the 3-0 whitewash served up by New Zealand in our own backyard—and the 3-1 walloping Australia handed us down under. All which kept us out of last week’s WTC final—when South Africa beat Australia. But this series is about a lot more than just erasing bad memories.

Goodbye to the olds: The great humiliation in turn triggered a string of retirements—R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. For the first time since 2011, we’ll be playing a Test series without any of the legends.

Hello to Shubman: We now have a young squad led by an absurdly young captain—25-year-old Shubman Gill. It is not unprecedented: Kohli was 26 when he first took the reins—while South African Graeme Smith was just 22. Reminder: Gill wasn't the first choice. Sharma’s understudy Jasprit Bumrah ruled himself out of contention for any leadership role—captain or vice-captain—a prize now given to Rishabh Pant.

FYI: Bumrah says he was concerned about ‘overloading’ his back—and ending up with a career-ending injury. As captain, he could not choose to sit out matches if needed.

But, but, but: Gill seems to have been chosen for his marketability—rather than his ability. He averages a modest 35.05 in his 32 Tests and was dropped from the team during the Australia series. He has led Gujarat Titans in the IPL… to eighth place last year and fourth in 2025. His so-called ‘edge’ doesn’t seem much of a plus on the field:

What gave Shubman an edge over others was his leading-man looks and a reassuring persona. He has a face that exudes calmness. He hasn’t had a rousing start to his Test career, he doesn’t have a phenomenal captaincy record but strangely his cricketing fabric has captaincy material.

It’s not clear what “material” this is—since a captain usually meets at least one of the following—the best player i.e. the first name on the teamsheet, most astute strategist or the veteran who commands respect in the dressing room. Shubman isn’t exactly an A in any of those categories.

The big picture: Shubman’s ascendance seems part of the Bollywood-isation of Test cricket—see Hollywood Reporter photoshoot. No wonder hamara Jay Shah is also trying to become a reel star.

Reading list: ESPNCricinfo has the preview of today’s Test, including question marks over our new-look lineup. Indian Express has more on why Gill was appointed as captain.

what caught our eye

business & tech

OpenAI has warned that its next-gen models could help clueless amateurs cook up bioweapons—raising red flags for a far more dangerous future.
The Atlantic is jumping into the daily puzzle craze—launching a new games hub featuring Bracket City, Caleb’s Inferno, and more brain teasers to add to your rotation.
Microsoft is gearing up for another wave of layoffs—this time targeting thousands in sales—as it doubles down on AI post its 6,000-strong cut in May.
Google’s bid to dodge a €4.12 billion EU fine just hit a wall—Europe’s top court adviser says the Android giant did crush rivals, and the penalty should stick.
Meta AI is now showing a consent pop-up after users unknowingly shared sensitive info—like tax details and medical records—on its public ‘Discover’ feed while posting prompts.

sports & entertainment

Wall Street Journal charts out why Hollywood business is happening in New York City and Silicon Valley instead of LA.
The Hindu has an illustrative take on who delivered bang for buck in IPL 2025—and who burned holes in their franchises’ pockets.

health & environment

A new study has shown that female baboons live longer when their fathers stick around—giving insights into father-daughter relations among the species.
Sad news—Antarctic seal population has declined by 54% since 1977. We all know the culprit.
Scientists suggest that Australian Bogong moths are the first known bugs to use the stars to navigate long-distance travel.
The US Food and Drug Administration has approved the breakthrough drug ‘lenacapavir’ as a twice-yearly injection to prevent HIV.
Speaking of breakthrough drugs: Scientists have created a vaccine that could be effective against multiple types of fungal germs, including the ones that cause vaginal yeast infections. Gizmodo has more deets.
Using satellite data, drones and on-the-ground observations, scientists have found that peatlands in the European and Canadian Arctic have increased in the last 40 years. Peatlands are swamplands with plants that absorb incredible amounts of carbon.
Scientists warn that we will breach the 1.5°C warming threshold in three years at current levels of carbon dioxide emissions.
The Guardian reports on the dangers of climate misinformation—which is fueling global warming instead of reducing it.

meanwhile, in the world

New York Times has a good read on Pakistan’s secretive drone campaign inside its own borders—targeting militants with the same tactics it once criticized the US for using.
Another good read—this time from Al Jazeera that questions whether Trump’s White House lunch with Pakistan’s army chief was just a tactical fling or the start of a new inner circle.
Thailand’s government is on the brink after a leaked call between PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra and ex-Cambodian leader Hun Sen sparked political chaos.
A French trial has blown the cork off human trafficking in champagne country—exposing how over 50 undocumented workers were lured with false promises and forced into grim conditions during harvest.
The Guardian answers the question of whether the ‘No Kings’ protests were the biggest single-day demo in US history—with numbers that might just say yes.
Fast Company details the Gen Z-approved “fridge cigarette”—an ice-cold Diet Coke break that’s going viral as the new smoke.
BBC News has an adorable read on how those bug-eyed, snaggle-toothed Labubu dolls went from creepy to crazy collectible.

meanwhile, in India

RIP Arrowhead—the Ranthambore tigress and granddaughter of the legendary Machhli passed just hours after her daughter’s relocation, ending a royal tiger bloodline.
India’s sending the charred black box from the Air India 787 crash to the US—fire damage made local data recovery a no-go.
Investigators looking into the crash are now also eyeing a 2020 Gatwick incident where both engines on an Airbus A321 failed right after takeoff.
Chandigarh came out on top and Meghalaya landed at the bottom in the Centre’s latest school education rankings,which graded states on everything from learning outcomes to infrastructure.
Most Class 10 and 12 students chose Hindi and English as their exam language, while those who picked some regional languages not only made up a tiny fraction—but also had lower pass rates than the national average.
The inquiry report has revealed that the piles of suspicious cash which were found in Justice Yashwant Varma’s burnt storeroom couldn’t have ended up there without his or his family’s knowledge.
Ashoka University has launched a special admission round for students accepted to US colleges but who are now hesitant to go, following Trump’s crackdown on campus protests—analysts say more Indian universities may follow.

Five things to see

One: SpaceX’s Starship rocket is slated to be the largest ever in space history—designed for carrying cargo and crew to the moon and Mars. Of the nine Super Heavy-Starship test flights over the last 2 years, only three have been partially successful. Now, the latest attempt has come to a sorry end days before the flight, on the launch site itself. Watch the explosion below. (CBS News)

Two: OTOH, Honda has unexpectedly and successfully launched and tested “an experimental reusable rocket”. Watch the test below. (The Verge)

Three: FIFA—yup, as in the international football governing body—has launched its own “functional luxury” clothing line for men and women called FIFA 1904. Why? Because “FIFA is not like the N.F.L., the N.B.A. or M.L.B. It’s next level globally.” Okay then. Being ‘next level’ also means cashmere overcoats, sheath dresses, etc—as opposed to the usual tees and hoodies. Everything about this screams football. Not. (New York Times)

Four: Say hello to Jeremy Allen White playing Bruce Springsteen in the biopic titled ‘Deliver Me from Nowhere’. Directed by Scott Cooper, the flick is set in the early ’80s during the ‘Born in the USA’ era—when Bruce was da man! The movie drops on October 24. Watch the trailer below. (IndieWire)

Five: The second and final season of the adaptation of Neil Gaiman's graphic novel ‘The Sandman’ is here. Tom Sturridge reprises his role as Morpheus—whose world, the Dreaming, has greatly suffered since his absence. The new season will premiere on Netflix in two instalments—with part one releasing on July 13 and part two on July 25. See the trailer below. (Ars Technica)