Artificial intelligence is creating a new way of thinking

The interaction between humans and artificial intelligence is giving shape to a new system of thought, a new cognitive scheme external to the human mind but capable of enhancing its cognitive abilities, called System 0, which is placed alongside the two models of thought human who are System 1, characterized by intuitive, rapid and automatic thinking, and System 2, a more analytical and reflective thought. However, System 0 introduces a further level of complexity, radically changing the cognitive landscape in which we operate and could therefore mark an epochal step forward in the evolution of our ability to think and make decisions. It will be humanity’s task to ensure that this progress is used in a way that improves our cognitive autonomy, without compromising it. This is what was reported in the prestigious scientific journal “Nature Human Behavior” which published an article entitled “The case for human-AI interaction as System 0 thinking”, written by a team of researchers coordinated by Professor Giuseppe Riva, director of the Humane Technology Lab, of the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Milan campus and of the Laboratory of Applied Technology for Neuro-Psychology at the Italian Auxological Institute IRCCS, Milan.

The study was conducted with Mario Ubiali founder and CEO of the Thimus start-up, Massimo Chiriatti of the Infrastructure Solutions Group, Lenovo, in Milan, Professor Marianna Ganapini of the Philosophy department of Union College, Schenectady in New York, Professor Enrico Panai of the Faculty of Foreign Languages ​​and Language of Science at the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Milan campus.

A new form of external thinking

Just as an external hard disk allows you to store data not present in the computer, data to work on by connecting it to the PC wherever we are, so artificial intelligence, with its galactic capacity for calculation and data processing, can represent a circuit external to the human brain in capable of strengthening it. Hence the idea of ​​system 0 which is nothing more than a form of “external” thinking based on the capabilities of AI.
By handling huge amounts of data, AI can process information and make suggestions or decisions based on complex algorithms.

However, unlike intuitive or analytical thinking, System 0 does not attribute intrinsic meaning to the information it processes. In other words, AI can perform calculations, predictions, and generate responses without actually “understanding” the content of the data it works with.
Humans, therefore, remain essential to interpret and give meaning to the results produced by AI. It’s like having an assistant that collects, filters and organizes information efficiently, but still requires our intervention to make informed decisions. This cognitive support provides valuable input, but the final control must always remain in the hands of the human.

The risks of System 0: loss of autonomy and blind trust

“The risk is to rely too much on System 0 without exercising critical thinking – underline professors Riva and Ubiali -. If we simply passively accept the solutions offered by AI, we may lose our ability to think independently and develop innovative ideas. In a context increasingly dominated by automation, it is essential that humans continue to question and question the results generated by AI,” the experts underline.

Furthermore, transparency and trust in AI systems represent another major dilemma. How can we be sure that these systems are free of bias or distortion, and that they provide us with accurate and reliable information? “The growing tendency to use synthetic or artificially processed data could compromise our perception of reality and negatively influence our decision-making process,” warn the teachers.

AI could even hijack our introspective abilities, they point out, the act of reflecting on one’s thoughts and feelings – a uniquely human process. However, with the advancement of AI, it may become possible to rely on intelligent systems to analyze our behaviors and mental states. This leads us to ask: to what extent can we truly understand ourselves through AI analytics? And can an artificial intelligence replicate the complexity of subjective experience?

The future of human thought

Even with all these questions, System 0 also offers enormous opportunities, the professors note. Thanks to its ability to process complex data quickly and efficiently, AI can support humanity in tackling problems that are beyond our natural cognitive abilities. Whether solving complex scientific questions, analyzing huge datasets or managing intricate social systems, AI could become an irreplaceable ally.

To make the most of the potential of System 0, the authors of the work suggest, it is urgent to develop ethical and responsible guidelines for its use. “Transparency, responsibility and digital literacy are the key elements to allow people to interact critically with AI – warn Riva and Ubiali -. Educating the population on how to navigate this new cognitive environment will be key to avoiding the risks of excessive dependence on these systems.

If not tamed, System 0 could interfere with human thinking in the future, they conclude: “it is essential that we remain aware and critical in how we use it; System 0’s true potential will depend on our ability to steer it in the right direction.”