Convenient Thinking: Cognitive Laziness in the Age of Intelligent Systems

The rapid integration of intelligent systems into everyday life has transformed not only information access but fundamentally reshaped human cognitive habits. This paper critically examines the emerging phenomenon of 'convenient thinking'—a hybrid socio-technological habit characterized by delegated cognition and cognitive laziness facilitated by AI tools such as search engines, recommender systems, and generative models like ChatGPT. Drawing upon established cognitive theories and recent empirical studies, the analysis explores how algorithmic consumption, digital habituation, and interface design contribute to the erosion of critical inquiry and shorten attention spans, fostering an 'answer culture' that undermines deeper questioning and reflective thinking. The paper further discusses the ethical and educational implications of these changes, emphasizing the shared responsibility of designers, educators, and policymakers in cultivating digital critical literacy and intentional cognition practices. Ultimately, the study advocates for reclaiming cognitive autonomy and envisioning a future coexistence with AI that promotes human critical agency rather than dependency. These findings highlight the urgent need for a mindful intelligence culture that balances the benefits of AI-enhanced cognition with the preservation of human intellectual autonomy.

کلیدواژه ها:

convenient thinking ، cognitive autonomy ، artificial intelligence ، critical inquiry ، algorithmic consumption ، human-AI interaction