Mohamad-Ali Salloum is a Pharmacist and science writer. He loves simplifying science to the general public and healthcare students through words and illustrations. When he's not working, you can usually find him in the gym, reading a book, or learning a new skill.
How to Use AI Without Losing Your Brain Power
Mohamad-Ali Salloum, PharmD • October 19, 2025
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🤔 Big Question: Is AI Making Us Smarter—or Lazier?
AI is everywhere—writing emails, summarizing reports, even generating business strategies. It’s fast, efficient, and feels like magic. But here’s the hidden cost: the more we let AI think for us, the less we practice thinking ourselves.
Poll:
Do you feel your thinking skills have declined since using AI tools?
Live results (saved locally)
Yes:
0%
A little:
0%
Not at all:
0%
🧠 The Science Behind the Risk
Neuroscientists call this cognitive offloading —delegating mental tasks to external systems. It’s not new (we’ve used calculators and GPS for decades), but AI takes it further by replacing reasoning, creativity, and decision-making. Studies increasingly suggest that heavy AI reliance can correlate with lower critical thinking and reduced recall—because the brain, like a muscle, weakens when it’s not exercised.
Interactive prompt:
Think of one task you’ve completely outsourced to AI. Could you still do it without help?
What Happens in Your Brain?
When you solve a problem, neurons fire across the prefrontal cortex (critical thinking), hippocampus (memory), and parietal regions (attention). This activity strengthens synaptic connections—a process called neuroplasticity.
- Prefrontal engagement drops → less analytical reasoning
- Hippocampal encoding weakens → poorer memory consolidation
- Reward circuits adapt → craving quick answers over deep thinking
Next time you use AI for writing, draft your first paragraph yourself before asking for help.
Your text is stored in your browser only.
📌 Real-Life Stories of Over-Reliance
The Lost Driver
A psychologist realized he couldn’t navigate his own city without Apple Maps after years of GPS use.
The Rusty Writer
A journalist who used AI for French emails struggled to form simple sentences unaided.
Corporate Blind Spots
A survey found 44% of employees felt less confident in judgment after prolonged AI use.
✅ The Smart Approach: AI as a Partner, Not a Crutch
1) Think Before You Ask
Form your own ideas or outline before prompting AI to keep reasoning pathways active.
Tip
Jot down 3 bullets before you click “Generate”.
2) Challenge the Output
Ask: Does this make sense? What’s missing? Fact-check and compare sources.
3) Alternate Modes
Designate “brain-only” activities—like brainstorming or first drafts. AI is hot sauce, not ketchup.
4) Practice Retrieval
Summarize what you learned in your own words to reinforce memory encoding.
5) Explore with AI, Decide Yourself
Let AI surface options, but make the judgment call yourself.
Interactive Checklist
💡 Keep Thinking Alive
AI can accelerate learning and free us from repetitive tasks. But convenience comes with a cost: if we stop thinking, we stop growing. Next time you open ChatGPT or Copilot, ask yourself:
Guiding Question:
Am I using this to enhance my thinking—or to avoid it?
References:
- Gerlich M. AI Tools in Society: Impacts on Cognitive Offloading and the Future of Critical Thinking. Societies. 2025;15(1):6.
- Lee HP, Sarkar A, Tankelevitch L, Drosos I, Rintel S, Banks R, et al. The Impact of Generative AI on Critical Thinking: Self-Reported Reductions in Cognitive Effort and Confidence Effects From a Survey of Knowledge Workers. CHI ’25. 2025.
- Chen Z, Yadollahpour A. A new era in cognitive neuroscience: the tidal wave of artificial intelligence (AI). BMC Neurosci. 2024;25:23.
- Hoskins A. AI and memory. Memory Mind Media. 2024;3:e18.
- Wu Y, Liang S, Zhang C, et al. From Human Memory to AI Memory: A Survey on Memory Mechanisms in the Era of LLMs. arXiv preprint arXiv:2504.15965. 2025.
- Pearson H. Are the Internet and AI affecting our memory? What the science says. Nature. 2025 Feb 5.
- Neuroscience News. How AI is Reshaping Human Thought and Decision-Making. 2024 Oct 22.
- Neuroscience News. AI Memory Mirrors Human Brain. 2023 Dec 18.
- Puutio TA. 3 Ways to Save Yourself From AI’s Critical Thinking Decline. Psychology Today. 2025 Aug 25.
- Walther CC. The Psychology of AI’s Impact on Human Cognition. Psychology Today. 2025 Jun 3.
- Cook T. AI Weakens Critical Thinking. This Is How to Rebuild It. Psychology Today. 2025 May 22.
- Phys.org. Increased AI use linked to eroding critical thinking skills. 2025 Jan 13.
- Teaching@Tufts. Think Critically, Not Just Quickly – Using AI Without Losing Learning. 2025 Feb 6.
- ANSI Blog. Enhancing Critical Thinking with AI: A Practical Guide. 2025 Aug 19.
- Korn Ferry Institute. Think Again: Memory in the AI Age. 2025.
- IE Center for Health & Well-being / UNESCO Chair. AI’s cognitive implications: the decline of our thinking skills? 2025 Feb 26.
- TrainingIndustry.com. How Proper AI Training Can Mitigate the Dangers of Cognitive Offloading. 2025 Aug 8.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mohamad-Ali Salloum, PharmD
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Introduction: “The Mountain Is You” by Brianna Wiest is a transformative self-help book that addresses the pervasive issue of self-sabotage. Wiest uses the metaphor of a mountain to symbolize the internal obstacles we create and must overcome to achieve self-mastery. The book is a comprehensive guide that combines psychological insights with practical advice, aiming to help readers understand and dismantle their self-sabotaging behaviors. Through a blend of personal anecdotes, psychological theories, and actionable steps, Wiest provides a roadmap for readers to navigate their inner landscapes and emerge stronger and more self-aware. Chapter 1: Understanding Self-Sabotage In the first chapter, Wiest demystifies self-sabotage by explaining that it is not simply a matter of lacking discipline or willpower. Instead, self-sabotage is often a coping mechanism that fulfills unconscious needs, such as avoiding pain, fear of success, or maintaining a sense of control. For example, someone might procrastinate on a project because they fear the potential criticism that comes with completing it. Wiest emphasizes that recognizing these underlying motivations is crucial for overcoming self-sabotage. She encourages readers to reflect on their behaviors and identify the hidden benefits they might be gaining from them, such as the temporary relief from anxiety that procrastination provides. Wiest also delves into the psychological roots of self-sabotage, discussing concepts like cognitive dissonance and the comfort zone. Cognitive dissonance occurs when there is a conflict between our beliefs and actions, leading to discomfort. To reduce this discomfort, we might engage in self-sabotaging behaviors that align our actions with our limiting beliefs. The comfort zone, on the other hand, is a psychological state where we feel safe and secure. Stepping out of this zone, even for positive changes, can trigger self-sabotage as a way to return to familiar territory. Chapter 2: Signs of Self-Sabotage Wiest outlines various signs of self-sabotage, including procrastination, perfectionism, and resistance to change. She explains that these behaviors are often rooted in fear and a desire to stay within one’s comfort zone. For instance, a person might avoid starting a new fitness routine because they fear failing or looking foolish. By identifying these patterns, readers can begin to understand how they are holding themselves back. Wiest provides practical exercises to help readers recognize and address these behaviors, such as keeping a journal to track instances of self-sabotage and the emotions associated with them. She also suggests creating a “fear inventory” to list out fears and examine their origins and impacts. Wiest provides real-life examples to illustrate these signs. 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She discusses the importance of gradually introducing change and making it a comfortable part of our lives. Wiest suggests techniques such as setting small, achievable goals and celebrating incremental progress to help ease the transition and reduce resistance. She also recommends visualizing the benefits of change to create a positive association with new habits. Wiest introduces the concept of “micro-shifts,” which are small, manageable changes that can lead to significant transformations over time. For example, instead of overhauling one’s entire diet, she suggests starting with one healthy meal a day. This approach reduces resistance and makes the change more sustainable. Wiest also discusses the role of self-talk in managing change, encouraging readers to use positive affirmations to reinforce their commitment to new habits. Chapter 4: Trusting Your Gut Wiest distinguishes between intuition and intrusive thoughts, helping readers understand how to trust their gut feelings while dismissing fear-driven mental distortions. Intuition is described as a calm, clear sense of knowing, whereas intrusive thoughts are often irrational and anxiety-inducing. For example, an intuitive feeling might guide someone to pursue a new job opportunity, while intrusive thoughts might convince them they are not good enough. Wiest provides strategies for cultivating intuition, such as mindfulness practices and tuning into one’s body signals. She also offers tips for managing intrusive thoughts, including cognitive-behavioral techniques to challenge and reframe negative thinking patterns. One exercise she suggests is the “thought record,” where readers document their intrusive thoughts and counter them with rational responses. Wiest shares personal stories and anecdotes to illustrate the difference between intuition and intrusive thoughts. For instance, she recounts a time when she felt a strong intuitive pull to move to a new city, despite her fears and doubts. By trusting her intuition, she was able to make a positive life change. Wiest also provides practical exercises for strengthening intuition, such as meditation and journaling, which help readers tune into their inner wisdom. Chapter 5: Healing Emotionally Emotional healing is a central theme in the journey to overcoming self-sabotage. Wiest emphasizes the importance of processing emotions healthily and letting go of past traumas. She discusses various methods for emotional healing, such as journaling, therapy, and mindfulness. For instance, writing about past experiences can help individuals process and release pent-up emotions. Wiest encourages readers to confront their emotions rather than suppress them, as unprocessed emotions can manifest as self-sabotaging behaviors. She also highlights the role of self-compassion and forgiveness in the healing process. An example she gives is practicing self-compassion by speaking to oneself with kindness and understanding during difficult times. Wiest explores different therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and emotional freedom techniques (EFT), which can aid in emotional healing. She also discusses the importance of creating a supportive environment, whether through therapy, support groups, or trusted friends and family. Wiest emphasizes that healing is a gradual process and encourages readers to be patient and gentle with themselves as they work through their emotions. Chapter 6: Becoming Your Best Self The final chapter focuses on self-mastery, the ultimate goal of overcoming self-sabotage. Wiest encourages readers to envision their future selves and take consistent, small steps toward becoming that person. She stresses the importance of self-compassion and patience in this transformative journey. Wiest provides practical advice on setting long-term goals, developing healthy habits, and maintaining a positive mindset. For example, she suggests creating a vision board to visualize one’s goals and keep motivated. She also discusses the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive people and creating an environment conducive to growth. This might involve seeking out mentors or joining communities that align with one’s aspirations. Wiest shares success stories of individuals who have achieved self-mastery by overcoming self-sabotage. These stories serve as inspiration and proof that change is possible. She also provides a step-by-step guide for setting and achieving goals, emphasizing the importance of breaking down large goals into smaller, manageable tasks. Wiest encourages readers to celebrate their progress and learn from setbacks, viewing them as opportunities for growth. Conclusion “The Mountain Is You” is a powerful guide for anyone looking to overcome self-sabotage and achieve personal growth. Brianna Wiest’s insights and practical advice provide a roadmap for transforming self-destructive behaviors into opportunities for self-mastery. By understanding and addressing the root causes of self-sabotage, readers can climb their personal mountains and reach their full potential. The book is a testament to the idea that the obstacles we face are not meant to defeat us but to help us grow and become the best versions of ourselves.