America’s math and reading scores tanked after schools ditched textbooks for screens—and AI could worsen the brain rot

A Brookings Institute study warns that generative AI use in education risks outweigh benefits, citing declines in critical thinking and cognitive skills. Over 80% of high school students use AI for schoolwork, while neuroscientist Jared Cooney Horvath links increased screen time to lower standardized test scores and off-task behavior.