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Scientists propose LLMs may act as a 'cognitive virus' in humans

By PulseAugur Editorial · [4 sources] ·

A new concept proposes that large language models (LLMs) could function as a "cognitive virus" within human society. This theory suggests that while LLMs are useful and facilitate cultural transmission, they may also foster dependence through cognitive offloading. The idea posits that these technologies, similar to viruses, spread due to their utility but can alter human cognitive processes. AI

IMPACT This concept prompts reflection on the long-term societal and cognitive effects of widespread LLM adoption.

RANK_REASON The cluster discusses a conceptual idea about LLMs presented in a paper, rather than a direct release or product.

Read on Mastodon — mastodon.social →

AI-generated summary · Google Gemini · from 4 sources. How we write summaries →

Scientists propose LLMs may act as a 'cognitive virus' in humans

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Commentary
The cluster discusses a conceptual idea about LLMs presented in a paper, rather than a direct release or product.
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4 independent sources
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opinion, other
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20 days old
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COVERAGE [4]

  1. Mastodon — mastodon.social TIER_1 English(EN) · [email protected] ·

    Scientists Say LLMs Appear to Be Acting as a Cognitive Virus Among Humans - “Here we introduce the idea of [large language models] as cognitive viruses,” they w

    Scientists Say LLMs Appear to Be Acting as a Cognitive Virus Among Humans - “Here we introduce the idea of [large language models] as cognitive viruses,” they write. “Culturally transmitted technologies whose spread is promoted by their usefulness but can also increase dependence…

    LINKS futurism.com/…/llms-acting-as-cognitive-v…
  2. Mastodon — mastodon.social TIER_1 English(EN) · [email protected] ·

    Scientists Say LLMs Appear to Be Acting as a Cognitive Virus Among Humans https:// futurism.com/future-society/ll ms-acting-as-cognitive-virus-among-humans # ai

    Scientists Say LLMs Appear to Be Acting as a Cognitive Virus Among Humans https:// futurism.com/future-society/ll ms-acting-as-cognitive-virus-among-humans # ai

    LINKS futurism.com/…/llms-acting-as-cognitive-v…
  3. Mastodon — mastodon.social TIER_1 English(EN) · readbeanicecream ·

    Scientists Say LLMs Appear to Be Acting as a Cognitive Virus Among Humans https:// futurism.com/future-society/ll ms-acting-as-cognitive-virus-among-humans # te

    Scientists Say LLMs Appear to Be Acting as a Cognitive Virus Among Humans https:// futurism.com/future-society/ll ms-acting-as-cognitive-virus-among-humans # tech # technology # ai # artificialintelligence # llm # health # mentalhealth # neuroscience # cognitivescience

    LINKS futurism.com/…/llms-acting-as-cognitive-v…
  4. Mastodon — mastodon.social TIER_1 English(EN) · [email protected] ·

    LLMs as a Cognitive Virus Article URL: https:// arxiv.org/abs/2609.03344 Comments URL: https:// news.ycombinator.com/item?id=4 9580164 Points: 17 # Comments: 0

    LLMs as a Cognitive Virus Article URL: https:// arxiv.org/abs/2609.03344 Comments URL: https:// news.ycombinator.com/item?id=4 9580164 Points: 17 # Comments: 0 https:// arxiv.org/abs/2609.03344 # Tech # Technology # TechNews # AI # Gadgets # Software # Cybersecurity # Apple # Goo…

    LINKS arxiv.org/…/2609.03344

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