Generative AI and Human Cognition: A Narrative Chapter on Cognitive Augmentation and Interaction

Abstract: Generative artificial intelligence is weaving itself into the very fabric of our technological landscape, as well as our core cognitive, learning, and decision-making processes. This chapter reviews the interplay between generative models and human mental abilities, portraying AI as a cognitive enhancer that amplifies our capacities for perception, memory, creativity, and problem-solving. It probes the intricacies of human-AI partnerships, including concepts like cognitive offloading, collaborative reasoning, and the transformation of intellectual workflows in spheres such as education, research, and professional environments. The chapter provides a critical examination of trust, dependency, and the risks of excessive reliance on generative systems, highlighting the benefits of enhancing human intelligence while addressing the drawbacks of diminished agency and critical thinking. By drawing from the realms of cognitive science and neuroscience, it examines neuro-inspired generative frameworks and their contribution to mimicking human-like learning and creativity. Melding insights from artificial intelligence, psychology, and human-computer interaction, this chapter paints a vivid portrait of how generative AI is reshaping our cognitive landscape and defining the future of collaborative endeavors between humans and machines.

Keywords: Human cognition, cognitive AI, human–AI interaction, intelligence augmentation, neuro-inspired models