Is AI making our brains lazier?Is AI making our brains lazier?
All In The Mind
Social media gave us brain rot; will AI give us cognitive atrophy? How can we possibly learn to cope with the sheer amount of uncertainty and change heading our way? Cognitive neuroscientist Joel Pearson is back on the show, two years after his mega popular appearance in our episode titled "Scarier than killer robots": why your mind isn't ready for AI. In this episode we cover the potential long-term impact of widescale job losses, the anxiety university students are feeling about their job prospects, the risk of cognitive atrophy when outsourcing to AI, and what we can do to be more adaptable and flexible in the age of AI. You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on ABC Listen or wherever you get your podcasts. Guest: Professor Joel Pearson Psychologist, neuroscientist Founder and Director, Future Minds Lab University of New South Wales Credits: Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar Senior producer: James Bullen Producer: Rose Kerr Sound engineer: Tim Jenkins More info: When to trust your gut instinct, and when to ignore it Why being a beginner is good for you
32:47•7 Mar 2026
Is AI Making Us Lazy Thinkers?
Episode Overview
- AI could lead to cognitive atrophy by outsourcing critical thinking tasks.
- Students are anxious about future job prospects in an AI-dominated market.
- Maintaining cognitive agility is crucial in adapting to rapid technological changes.
- Emotional awareness can help manage stress related to AI advancements.
- Societal disruption from AI includes job losses and shifts in work structures.
“"Outsource as much as you can to AI, but don't just treat it like a holiday."”
Curious about how others navigate their sobriety journey? This episode of 'All In The Mind' takes a fascinating turn as it explores the impact of artificial intelligence on our cognitive abilities. Cognitive neuroscientist Joel Pearson returns to discuss how AI might be making our brains lazier and what that means for our mental health.
The conversation dives into the potential cognitive atrophy resulting from outsourcing tasks to AI, highlighting the anxiety students feel about their future job prospects in an AI-driven world. Pearson shares insights into how rapid technological advancements are causing societal disruptions, from job losses to shifts in educational demands. With a mix of light-hearted banter and serious contemplation, the discussion also touches on the importance of maintaining cognitive agility and emotional awareness in an ever-changing world.
If you've ever wondered how to keep your mind sharp amidst the AI revolution, this episode is a must-listen. Will AI really make us lazier, or can we find ways to stay mentally active? Join the conversation and ponder your own place in this evolving landscape.
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