AI Dependency and Cognitive Offloading: Effects of Generative Artificial Intelligence on Memory Retention, Critical Thinking, and Decision-Making among University Students

This mixed-methods longitudinal study investigated how generative AI dependency influences memory retention, critical thinking, and decision-making autonomy among 412 university students. Participants were assigned to AI-Restricted, AI-Scaffolded (with metacognitive prompts), or Unrestricted AI cohorts over a 10-week term, with cognitive assessments and usage telemetry tracked through a 4-week delayed follow-up. Results indicated that higher AI dependency significantly predicted poorer memory consolidation,reduced critical thinking performance, and increased algorithmic anchoring. The Unrestricted cohort demonstrated accelerated knowledge decay and weaker meta-cognitive calibration compared to other groups. Self-regulated learning partially mediated these effects, while meta-cognitive awareness buffered against cognitive decline. Findings suggest that unregulated AI reliance compromises foundational academic competencies, but structured pedagogical scaffolding can mitigate adverse outcomes, informing evidence-based AI integration policies in higher education.