A team of researchers from Spain, Italy, and the US has published a study comparing large language models to cognitive viruses. The authors used epidemiological modeling to analyze how reliance on AI affects human cognitive functions.
The study identifies three stages of societal transition regarding AI usage: independent, attached, and dependent. In the final stage, individuals delegate the majority of their mental tasks to AI, which the authors suggest leads to a decline in independent thinking skills.
The researchers argue that the widespread adoption of AI creates a self-reinforcing effect, similar to the spread of a biological virus. Users who benefit from AI tools often encourage others to adopt them, potentially leading to systemic societal dependence.
The authors clarify that they do not advocate for a complete rejection of AI. Instead, they suggest that AI can be beneficial for deep analysis, information gathering, and education when used as a supplementary tool.
The study is theoretical rather than experimental, relying on mathematical modeling applied to existing scientific data. The researchers conclude that maintaining critical thinking and avoiding the delegation of core cognitive processes is essential to preventing mental degradation.
