This four-semester investigation of 141 Colombian international relations students identified a cognitive exchange associated with ChatGPT-4 usage. AI-using students showed improved strategic thinking ( d = 0.99) but deteriorated critical thinking ( d = −1.31). Analytical delegation strongly predicted critical decline ( r = −.72), while verification offered moderate protection. Effects intensified temporally, suggesting cumulative cognitive consequences.
Rico et al. (Sat,) studied this question.