How AI Chatbots Affect Cognition, Behavior, and Physiology across Access/Abstinence Phases
Summary
This study tests what happens when your access to AI chatbots changes for about two weeks. You’ll go through four short phases: your normal use, a period when AI is blocked but you can bypass it, a period when AI is fully blocked, and then a return to normal use. Each day, you’ll answer a few quick check-in questions three times. You’ll also come to our lab for five brief visits (including a baseline), and each visit takes about 90 minutes total (~15–30 minutes for safe, non-invasive sensor setup + ~60–75 minutes of thinking tasks). The sensors measure brain activity, heart activity, breathing, and pupil size. Our goal is to see how changing AI access affects thinking, productivity, stress, fatigue, and daily habits.
Eligibility
Eligible ages: 18 to 65
Accepts healthy participants: Yes
Inclusion criteria:
You are 18 years or older.
You have regular access to a laptop or desktop computer.
You are willing to install a temporary AI-blocking tool during some phases.
You can attend five brief lab visits at the University of Calgary.
You can read and understand English.
Exclusion criteria:
Under 18 years old.
A history of seizures triggered by flashing or flickering light.
Scalp or skin conditions that make wearing a sensor cap on the head uncomfortable or unsafe.
Severe, unmanaged mental health conditions that could make participation risky.
Unable to give informed consent.
Not fluent in English.
No regular laptop/desktop access or not willing to install the temporary blocking tool.
Unable to attend the five brief lab visits at the University of Calgary.
Participate
Additional information
Contact information
If you are interested in taking part or would like more information about this study, please contact: Dr. Junho Park Email: junho.park@ucalgary.ca Online Survey Link (PREFFERED):
Principal investigator:
Junho Park
Clinical trial:
No
REB-ID:
REB25-1391