A recent study, conducted by Giuseppe Riva of the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart and published in Nature Human Behaviour, introduces the concept of “System 0”, a new mode of thinking that emerges from the interaction between humans and artificial intelligence. System 0 adds to already known cognitive modes, such as System 1 (intuitive and fast) and System 2 (analytical and reflective), proposed by psychologist Daniel Kahneman. Unlike these, System 0 relies on a form of “external thinking,” where AI plays a continuous supporting role in human cognition, operating outside our mind while actively influencing our decision-making process.
How does System 0 work?
System 0 represents a form of cognitive outsourcing, in which artificial intelligence handles complex operations such as the analysis of large amounts of data, forecasting, and high-speed processing, allowing humans to extend their capabilities. In scenarios that require managing massive datasets, such as scientific research or solving social challenges, AI can provide decision support, increasing the efficiency and accuracy of human thinking.
Challenges and risks
However, the authors of the study highlight potential risks associated with excessive reliance on System 0. One of these is the possibility of overdependence on AI, which could reduce human capacity for autonomous and critical thinking. As reliance on AI-generated responses grows, there is a risk that individuals may stop questioning results, fully delegating decision-making processes and consequently losing the ability for introspection and independent analysis.
The future of System 0
“System 0 will never replace our capacity for critical thinking, but only support it,” writes the research group, which also includes Massimo Chiriatti from Lenovo’s Infrastructure Solutions Group, Marianna Ganapini from the Philosophy Department at Union College in New York, and Enrico Panai from the Faculty of Foreign Languages and the Language of Science at the Catholic University of Milan.
To effectively integrate System 0, the study suggests the need for ethical guidelines and greater digital literacy, enabling more critical and informed interaction with AI. In this way, System 0 can enhance human cognitive abilities without replacing them, offering new opportunities across fields ranging from science to business management, without compromising individuals’ cognitive independence.
System 0 therefore represents a fertile area of exploration for understanding how AI can support—but also potentially reshape—human cognitive abilities.
