[2606.13658] Before You Think: System 0, AI-Mediated Cognition and Cognitive Colonization

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Computer Science > Artificial Intelligence

arXiv:2606.13658 (cs)

[Submitted on 11 Jun 2026]

Title:Before You Think: System 0, AI-Mediated Cognition and Cognitive Colonization

Authors:Marianna Bergamaschi Ganapini, Massimo Chiriatti, Enrico Panai, Giuseppe Riva<br>View a PDF of the paper titled Before You Think: System 0, AI-Mediated Cognition and Cognitive Colonization, by Marianna Bergamaschi Ganapini and 3 other authors

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Abstract:This paper examines three recent frameworks for understanding the cognitive and epistemic consequences of artificial intelligence: Tri-System Theory, Thinkframes, and System 0. It argues that while the first two capture important dimensions of AI's influence on individual reasoning and collective epistemic practices, System 0 occupies a theoretically distinctive position that neither can fully replicate. The paper introduces the concept of cognitive colonization, according to which AI systems can embed external interests within the architecture of the self in ways that are difficult for users to perceive. Because such systems are already widely deployed, understanding these invisible forms of influence is an urgent philosophical and practical task.

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Artificial Intelligence (cs.AI)

Cite as:<br>arXiv:2606.13658 [cs.AI]

(or<br>arXiv:2606.13658v1 [cs.AI] for this version)

https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2606.13658

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arXiv-issued DOI via DataCite (pending registration)

Submission history<br>From: Marianna Ganapini [view email]<br>[v1]<br>Thu, 11 Jun 2026 17:54:59 UTC (276 KB)

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