As artificial intelligence becomes ubiquitous in education and daily life, concerns are mounting about its long-term impact on mental agility and cognitive development, particularly among younger generations.
Professor Devi Sridhar, chair of global public health at the University of Edinburgh, draws a stark parallel between the rise of sedentary lifestyles and the growing reliance on AI tools. Just as physical inactivity has led to spikes in chronic conditions like type-2 diabetes and musculoskeletal disorders, she argues that outsourcing thinking tasks to machines could have similarly dire consequences for brain health.
The Streaming Precedent
Sridhar’s warning echoes her own experience from over two decades ago, when she was rejected for a consulting role after questioning the societal implications of streaming services. While companies like Netflix have thrived—reporting $12.6 billion in global revenue in 2026—her concerns about social isolation, declining mental health, and disrupted sleep patterns appear prescient.
“We moved into a world where we don’t have to see anyone, move anywhere, or use our brains,” she reflects. “And again I think, wonderful for whom?”
Rising Reliance, Declining Performance
Recent data underscores the scale of AI adoption in academia. According to the 2026 Higher Education Policy Institute survey, 95% of undergraduates reported using generative AI in some form, with 94% admitting to incorporating it into assessed work.
This surge coincides with a troubling trend in educational outcomes. An OECD report revealed that student performance across member nations has hit its lowest recorded levels in maths and reading, with researchers citing increased screen time and digitalisation in classrooms as contributing factors.
“Use it or lose it” remains a fundamental principle of neuroscience. Studies show that cognitively stimulating activities—such as puzzles, reading, and writing—are linked to reduced dementia risk and improved cognitive function in later life. Yet early findings from experiments using EEG sensors suggest that students who rely heavily on AI tools exhibit weaker brain connectivity compared to those who work independently.
A Silent Crisis in the Making?
Sridhar warns that if current trends continue, future generations may face a rise in cognitive decline akin to today’s epidemic of physical inactivity-related diseases. She calls for urgent policy intervention to safeguard mental engagement before the damage becomes irreversible.
“Tech companies aren’t concerned with our long-term health,” she says. “They’re in an arms race to go faster. But we’re being told it’s all wonderful. Yes, it is wonderful—for certain tech companies. And probably terrible for the mental health and wellbeing of the rest of us.”
Why it Matters
The unchecked integration of AI into education and everyday life poses a silent threat to cognitive resilience and societal wellbeing. As students increasingly depend on automated tools for critical thinking and creativity, the foundational skills necessary for independent reasoning may atrophy. Without proactive measures—such as curriculum reform, limits on AI usage in learning environments, and greater investment in mentally engaging programmes—the consequences could ripple across public health, workforce capability, and democratic participation for decades to come. The choice is not merely about embracing innovation, but ensuring that human intellect remains vital, challenged, and protected.
