How does AI affect how we learn? A cognitive psychologist explains why you learn when the work is hard
- Written by Brian W. Stone, Associate Professor of Cognitive Psychology, Boise State University
When OpenAI released “study mode” in July 2025, the company touted ChatGPT’s educational benefits. “When ChatGPT is prompted to teach or tutor, it can significantly improve academic performance,” the company’s vice president of education told reporters at the product’s launch. But any dedicated teacher...