Thinking Outsourced: How Generative AI Reduces Cognitive engagement, Memory, and Originality in Knowledge Work
Keywords:
Generative AI (GenAI), Cognitive Engagement, Memory erosion, Short-term memoryAbstract
Purpose: The rapid integration of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in organizational workflows has raised concerns on the influence of technology on human cognition. These LLM models may enhance efficiency but they also influence how a person thinks, learns and remembers information. This study investigates the impact of Generative AI (GenAI) on cognitive engagement, memory retention, originality and critical reasoning during knowledge-intensive writing tasks. The study also presents a framework for responsible AI integration within organization.
Design/methodology/approach: The study used a sample of 90 participants and randomly assigned them into 3 groups i.e., AI-assisted group, search-engine group, and independent group. The participants completed 450-500 words essay writing task on organizational risks of relying on an automated decision system. Cognitive engagement of the participants was measured using keystroke based behavioral index, memory retention through recall tests, originality and critical reasoning via structured expert rubrics.
Findings: The results showed clear differences at group level as participants that freely used GenAI were unable to recall most of what they had written. Most of the participants felt that they had outsourced thinking to the LLM system and acted more as editor rather than authors.
Originality: This study provides experimental evidence comparing AI-assisted, search engine assisted and independent writing under controlled conditions while integrating quantitate insights. It further proposes a practical for healthy AI integration that emphasize AI literacy, cognitive engagement protocols and continuous organizational monitoring to ensure AI augments rather than substituting human cognition.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Zaid Sarfraz, Zain Sarfraz Dogar, Attique ur Rehman, Asim Ali Rao, Muhammad Yasir Bilal, Abdul Basit (Author)
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