New research introduces Tri-System Theory to explain how we think with AI. It builds on the idea that we have two main thinking styles: System 1 for fast, intuitive thinking. and System 2 for slow, deliberate thinking.
This new theory adds a System 3: thinking with AI. The study found people often "surrender" to AI, meaning they accept AI's answers without much questioning – even if those answers are wrong. This can sometimes improve performance, but often leads to mistakes.
People who trust AI more, and who don't enjoy deep thinking, are more likely to rely on it. In short, we're increasingly letting AI do some of our thinking, and this has both benefits and risks.