LLMs as a Cognitive Virus

Researchers model large language model adoption as a viral spread through populations, showing that social transmission and collective reinforcement can create tipping points leading to rapid, persistent dependence and potential cognitive skill loss. The study identifies conditions where small increases in LLM usage can trigger abrupt population-level shifts toward technological lock-in, but also proposes strategies for "cognitive immunization" through reduced transmission and increased reversibility to maintain cognitive autonomy.