How AI is changing human thinking and decision making
The modern world is on the verge of radical changes in the way we think and make decisions. One of these changes is the emergence “Systems 0” – a new concept of cognitive interaction between humans and artificial intelligence (AI). A study conducted by a group of scientists led by Professor Giuseppe Riva from the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart suggests considering AI as an external cognitive tool that complements natural human abilities of intuitive and analytical thinking.
This article is based on research “Evidence of human-AI interaction as thinking within the system 0“, published in Nature Human Behaviordives into the concept of System 0, its risks and benefits, and the need for ethics in the use of AI to support human cognitive autonomy.
Introduction to the System 0 concept
In psychology, human thinking is traditionally divided into two types:
System 1 – intuitive, fast and automatic thinking. It works on an unconscious level and allows you to make instant decisions based on previous experience and intuition.
System 2 – slower and more conscious analytical thinking, requiring concentration and logic. It is in this system that more complex, informed decisions are made.
However, the advent of AI introduces a new level of cognitive interaction – “System 0”which, according to the authors of the study, can significantly improve our thinking. AI is capable of processing huge amounts of data, proposing solutions and making predictions based on complex algorithms, which goes beyond the cognitive capabilities of the human brain. In essence, AI is becoming an external cognitive tool that can significantly improve mental performance.
Just as an external hard drive expands a computer's storage capabilities, AI can expand a person's cognitive capabilities. This cognitive support is provided in the form of informed suggestions that can help a person make decisions faster and more effectively.
Opportunities and risks of System 0
Like any innovation, System 0 brings with it both enormous opportunities and risks. Some of the key benefits of using AI as an external cognitive tool include the following:
Processing complex data. AI can quickly and accurately analyze large amounts of information, which helps solve problems that are beyond human cognitive capabilities.
Decision support. Thanks to AI, a person can make more informed and faster decisions, especially under time pressure or complex situations.
Efficiency and productivity. Automating data analysis and proposing solutions can significantly improve productivity in fields ranging from science to social systems management.
However, with such opportunities comes a number of risks. The researchers emphasize that Over-reliance on AI can lead to loss of cognitive autonomy. If we start relying on AI without proper critical thinking, we may lose the ability to think for ourselves. An important aspect of interacting with AI remains the need to maintain control over the decision-making process.
Loss of critical thinking
One of the main risks of System 0 is the possibility passive decision making proposed by AI. When AI automatically generates suggestions or predictions based on its algorithms, there is a danger that humans will stop challenging those results or analyzing them critically. Professor Giuseppe Riva emphasizes that if people begin to blindly trust AI, they risk losing the ability to independently generate innovative ideas and critically approach information.
Issues of transparency and trust
Another serious problem is transparency AI work. Today, most complex AI algorithms remain “black boxes” for users. This raises questions about the reliability and accuracy of the solutions offered by AI. How can you be sure that AI does not process data in a biased way and does not distort reality?
Particular attention is also paid problem of synthetic datawhich are used to train AI. Using such data can create artificial results that do not correspond to the real world. In the long term, this can negatively impact your decision making and perception of reality.
Ethics and the role of AI in the future
One of the key conclusions of the study is the need to develop ethical standards when using “System 0”. These standards should be aimed at ensuring that AI improves human cognitive abilities, but does not undermine the human ability to think independently. Play an important role in this process transparency, accountability and digital literacy.
Training people to think critically about the work of AI and correctly interpret its findings will be an important task to prevent the risks of over-reliance on technology. As AI increasingly influences our lives and decision-making, digital literacy is a key skill that will enable people to effectively interact with this new cognitive system.
Prospects and future
In the future, AI may become an indispensable assistant in solving complex scientific problems, managing social systems, and even creating simulators for robotics and autonomous systems. However, to realize this potential, it is necessary to carefully design and implement responsible recommendations on the use of AI in everyday life and professional activities.
As the study authors emphasize, it is important that people maintain critical thinking and awareness when using AI. It is this ability to critically reflect on the information received and direct technology in the right direction that will be a key factor in the success of System 0.
Conclusion
“System 0” represents a new level of interaction between humans and AI, which can significantly expand human cognitive capabilities. However, as dependence on AI increases, so does the risk of losing cognitive autonomy and the ability to think critically. To avoid these risks, it is necessary to develop ethical standards aimed at ensuring transparency, accountability and digital literacy in working with AI.
Ultimately, the future of System 0 and its impact on human thinking will depend on how we can channel its development and harness its potential to improve our thinking without losing critical autonomy.
