AI, Social Media, and the Erosion of Human Cognition

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Technology is reshaping our cognitive abilities in concerning ways, potentially diminishing our capacity for deep thinking and independent reasoning. Social media and AI present a paradox: they're useful tools but come with significant drawbacks for mental health, attention spans, and performance capabilities.

• Digital tools eliminate cognitive processes that once strengthened our minds
• Evolutionary perspective suggests unused cognitive abilities may diminish over time
• Social media induces depression, anxiety, and harmful comparison behaviors
• Flow requires uninterrupted concentration, opposite of what social media provides
• "Death scroll" affects users physically by promoting sedentary behavior
• Research shows increased impulsivity and lower tolerance for delayed gratification
• Performers face challenges with audience engagement in the digital age
• Computers being intuitive removes necessary metacognitive thinking
• Self-awareness is crucial when using digital tools
• Strategic approach: post on social media then log off rather than waiting for validation