Study: AI Spreads Like a Virus, May Weaken Independent Thinking

An international research team has proposed a new theory comparing large language models to a "cognitive virus," suggesting AI adoption resembles virus spread. The paper, not yet peer-reviewed, aims to explain growing reliance on AI tools and its societal impact.

Researchers say AI spreads culturally due to usefulness but may lead people to outsource thinking, deepening dependency. Previous warnings noted AI harms cognitive abilities, especially among students who delegate critical thinking.

The authors argue humans have always externalized cognition via language and technology, but AI marks a new phase with more proactive tools. This could create a self-reinforcing cycle of weakened autonomy.

To counter this, they suggest "cognitive immunity": maintaining practices like independent problem-solving, fact-checking, and critical discussion, ensuring AI aids rather than replaces thinking.