Prof warns students now use 5 AI prompts to polish 2-line emails, a 'cognitive surrender'
paulnovosad · x · 2026-09-13
Economics professor Paul Novosad observes that many students spend 5 prompts refining a 2-line email — some write all their emails this way, arguably more work than writing themselves, yet they feel unable to do it any other way.
He cites an MIT report on how AI affects student learning, highlighting the term "cognitive surrender": falling back on AI at the first hint of struggle. He argues educators (and everyone) should recognize and resist this pattern.
Related event: Professor warns students are cognitively dependent on AI(2 posts)→
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