Our minds aren’t equipped to handle AI

The article argues that AI is a kind of "cognitive hot dog" — tempting and convenient, but harmful if it becomes part of our regular mental diet. Drawing on Norbert Wiener and John von Neumann, the author criticizes the computational model of the mind popular in the AI industry, which treats the brain as a biological Turing machine. Neuroscientist Paul Cisek's feedback-control theory is presented instead: brains evolved not to process information, but to guide action and control our relationship with the world over millions of years. This evolutionary and social view matters because human cognition also depends on cultural institutions — imitation, language, writing, schools, law, democracy — that transmit knowledge across generations. Big Tech, the author contends, is systematically weakening those institutions, especially education. OpenAI's Leah Belsky claims ChatGPT is the world's largest learning platform, and Anthropic has launched "Claude for Teachers," but studies, including one from China, show that AI use can reduce homework effort and critical thinking, a phenomenon called cognitive delegation. The author calls for "cognitive immunization," citing bans on AI in schools in Norway, Los Angeles, and New York City, and praising student resistance such as the Oberlin Luddite Club. The conclusion is that we should protect the slow, effortful, social practices that keep human cognition alive — and think healthy.

(Source：The Verge)