Is AI Rewiring Our Brains? Why Emotional Intelligence Matters More Than Ever
A recent preprint study from MIT’s Media Lab reveals that using large-language models like GPT-4o to write essays substantially dampens our neural activity (and learning) compared with relying on our own brains or even a simple search engine . As AI takes on more cognitive load, we run the risk of atrophying the very skills that allow us to innovate, connect and lead with genuine authority.
The Cognitive Cost of Convenience
In the MIT experiment, three groups of students wrote essays under different conditions: unaided, with a search engine, and with GPT-4o assistance. Electroencephalogram readings showed that the LLM cohort exhibited up to a 55 percent reduction in dynamic directed transfer function connectivity—a measure of information flow between brain regions—compared with the brain-only group . Not only was their cognitive engagement lower, but their recall of facts and sense of ownership over their writing also suffered.
When roles were reversed, participants who started with AI assistance struggled to switch back to unaided writing, while those who began unaided then used AI saw a boost in brain connectivity. The takeaway is clear: AI can augment our thinking, but only if we build our own understanding first (and use AI as a second wave of support) .
Emotional Intelligence as the Ultimate Human Advantage
As routine tasks become automated we will need to lean into skills that no algorithm can replicate. Emotional intelligence (EI)—our ability to perceive, understand and manage emotions in ourselves and others—is precisely that superpower. Leaders with high EI foster trust, navigate ambiguity and inspire collaboration, especially in times of rapid change.
Here are three ways to cultivate EI alongside AI adoption:
Build Self-Awareness First (before you ask AI for insights)
Take time each day to reflect on your mood and decision-making triggers. Journalling for just five minutes can strengthen your internal schema and prime your brain for deeper learning.
Use AI to Amplify, Not Replace, Empathy
Once you have grounded yourself, leverage AI tools to gather data on team sentiment or market trends. Then interpret those findings through the lens of human values and emotional nuance.
Foster Collaborative Intelligence
Encourage your teams to tackle problems manually before turning to AI solutions. This dual-phase approach (human insight followed by AI augmentation) promotes lasting cognitive engagement and builds collective trust in technology.
Practical Steps for Leaders:
Delay AI Integration in Learning
When introducing AI tools in training programmes, ensure participants first engage in self-driven research or scenario analysis. Only then introduce AI as a facilitator of deeper exploration, not a shortcut.
Embed EI Metrics in Performance Reviews
Track not only output and efficiency gains but also indicators of empathy, active listening and resilience. Reward behaviours where people demonstrate genuine human connection alongside technological savvy.
Communicate with Authenticity
Share your own journey of balancing brain-first and AI-second strategies. Authentic stories resonate more than slides full of statistics.