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

Source: arXiv - 2606.13658v1

Overview

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.

Key Contributions

This paper presents research in the following areas:

• cs.AI

Methodology

Please refer to the full paper for detailed methodology.

Practical Implications

This research contributes to the advancement of cs.AI.

Authors

• Marianna Bergamaschi Ganapini
• Massimo Chiriatti
• Enrico Panai
• Giuseppe Riva

Paper Information

• arXiv ID: 2606.13658v1
• Categories: cs.AI
• Published: June 11, 2026
• PDF: Download PDF