Exploring the Impact of AI Tools on the Cognitive hinking of College Students

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This study explores the impact of generative AI tools on the cognitive thinking of college students in Sri Krishna Institutions. With the rapid adoption of AI platforms like ChatGPT in academic settings, the research investigates how these tools influence students’ critical thinking, creativity, decision-making, and emotional engagement. Using a descriptive research design and survey-based data from 150 students across disciplines, the study reveals that AI tools significantly enhance logical analysis, memory retention, and critical thinking skills. Despite some challenges, such as difficulty in mastering functionalities, technical glitches, and inconsistent outputs, students maintain cognitive autonomy and critically review AI-generated content. The study also highlights ChatGPT’s dominance, with 93.3% of respondents using it regularly. Statistical analysis confirms a significant positive impact of AI on cognitive engagement. However, findings emphasise the need for balanced integration, promoting responsible AI usage, ethical considerations, and curriculum-based AI literacy. The study provides valuable insights for educators and institutions seeking to enhance learning through AI.