AI Chatbots and Cognitive Control: Enhancing Executive Functions Through Chatbot Interactions: A Systematic Review.

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Science
• Artificial Intelligence
• Digital Health

Background:

• Digital technology, including AI chatbots, is increasingly recognized for its potential to foster intellectual growth and improve cognitive and metacognitive behaviors.
• Executive function, crucial for goal-directed behavior, can potentially be supported by innovative AI tools like conversational chatbots.
• This study explores the role of AI chatbots in reinforcing executive functions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the reinforcement of executive functions through artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots.
• To outline the potentials and limitations of AI chatbots in executive function training.
• To suggest future research directions for AI chatbot applications in cognitive enhancement.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review following PRISMA 2020 Principles was conducted using an avalanche search method across Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar.
• Included studies (2021-present) utilized experimental, observational, or mixed methods, focusing on AI chatbots supporting executive functions (e.g., memory, attention) in general and specific populations.
• Ten studies met the eligibility criteria, focusing on AI-based chatbots and their impact on executive skills.

Main Results:

• The reviewed studies indicate positive effects of AI chatbots in enhancing and improving executive skills.
• Significant limitations were identified, hindering the generalization and reproducibility of these positive effects.
• The current application of AI chatbots for executive skills training is in its nascent stages.

Conclusions:

• AI chatbots represent an innovative tool that can assist in learning and expanding executive skills, contributing to cognitive, metacognitive, and social development.
• Further research is essential, requiring a unified framework, improved study designs, diverse participant populations, larger sample sizes, and longitudinal studies.
• Addressing these needs will help establish a clearer understanding of the long-term impact and efficacy of AI chatbots in executive function training.