Just ten minutes of using AI as an answer machine can measurably erode problem-solving skills, new study finds

A US-UK study found that just 10 to 15 minutes of using an AI assistant as an answer machine can hurt later performance once the tool is removed.

Users who relied on direct answers, rather than hints, showed the biggest drop in unassisted problem-solving and persistence.

AI improved immediate task performance, but it may also encourage cognitive offloading that weakens independent thinking.

The findings matter for education, training, and workplace use, where heavy dependence on AI could erode self-reliance.