Do we have good brain health?
No. And it's continuing to go downhill with each generation. But not in the way you'd expect. It isn't just eating unhealthy, or not exercising enough. It's also the unwilling (or in some people's case, willing) use of generative AI.
Now, I'm not here to spread anti-AI or pro-AI propaganda, because artificial intelligence a double-edged sword (which I will get into in future articles). The reason I am sitting at my desk, typing these words, is because I want you to be aware of the effects on your brain health of the rise of generative AI in the past few years, and what you can consciously do to mitigate the effects.
But what actually is generative AI? This is a very important question, as AI in itself is a broad term encompassing many different types of the technology. Generative AI, specifically, is a type of artificial intelligence that makes new content based on what you tell it to create. This can be essays, images, video, code - you name it.
Generative AI is not the evil mastermind of the demise of our brain health, but it's rather than ongoing misuse of it that is causing it to deteriorate. It's a great tool if used properly, however, human nature is to choose the most efficient and easiest way to do tasks, which leads to the persistent use of generative AI to do tasks for us. As we keep using generative AI to help us with tasks, our brains reinforces that pattern of usage which makes it immensely harder for us to stop and think the tasks through.
And this pattern remains whether or not you are consciously using generative AI. That is because the internet is becoming more dominantly created by AI. It's scary when you think about it - you could be talking or interacting with a non-living machine without knowing it. The reason this still affects your brain health is because you are being surrounded by increasing amounts of AI-generated content, whether you like it or not. While you're not actively using it yourself, you're being influenced by content that doesn't have human emotions, empathy, or connection.
That is an enormous burden on our brain health because we are no longer learning from intellectual content. That is negatively affecting our brain, and day by day, those negative effects are increasing while many of us are unaware about it.
So what should you do about it?
Stop consuming, and start creating. Force your brain to do hard things and don't let it choose the easy way out - whether it's stopping your use of generative AI to do your homework, or to detox yourself from social media. Write, paint, sketch. Move your body. Run, skip, walk in circles. Try that new coffee place you've been thinking of visiting. Spark conversations with your friends, family, or even strangers. Create the change in your life that you want to see around you. Cheesy, I know. But it's true. You have free will and you must use it.
It will be hard at first, but it pays off when you finally have control over your own brain. Your brain and your personality is what makes you unique. It's what makes you human. You should not lose that to make your life "easier". In the end, it's you against the world.
And if you were looking for more physical and medical ways to stop your brain health from deteriorating, you're in luck.
Eat fatty fish like salmon and sardines. These fish have omega-3 fatty acids that build brain cells and support your brain's longevity.
Consume leafy greens, berries, and nuts/seeds. These foods help slow down your brain's aging and support your brain power.
Make sure to exercise your body for at least 150 minutes per week.
Challenge your brain by doing harder things like learning a new skill, doing puzzles, and anything that makes you stop and think in the present.
And most importantly, stay on top of preventative health screenings. Our bodies can be unpredictable, so make sure to regularly check up on yourself, and ask a physician if you have any concerns regarding your health.
Your health, your personality, and your soul are in your hands. Nurture the traits and strengths you have. It's what makes you a strong and unique person.
The girls are talking. Get in the conversation.